National Roads are an essential pillar of a country’s infrastructure, ensuring connectivity and facilitating trade between different regions. Unfortunately, in the Kasai Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, National Road number 1 (RN1) is in an advanced state of disrepair after recent heavy rains. This worrying situation has a considerable impact on the local population, who finds themselves isolated and facing many difficulties.
The section of the RN1 located between Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi is particularly affected, with significant damage noted at the Maréchal market and the Muamba Mbuyi village. The inhabitants of the region are deeply affected by this situation, finding themselves unable to move easily and send their products and goods to the town of Kananga. This situation is leading to a real economic and food crisis, with a population suffering from hunger on a daily basis.
The deterioration of the RN1 is all the more worrying since renovation and improvement projects for this road had been announced. In February 2021, Head of State Félix Tshisekedi gave the green light for the start of work on the RN1, with a contract awarded to the Egyptian Samcrete Group. This contract provided for the construction of a paved road over a distance of 188 km, linking Kananga to Mbuji-Mayi, for a total cost of $302 million.
However, unexpected obstacles stood in the way of this work. Local financial officials have questioned the award of the contract to Samcrete, proposing instead to entrust the project to the African Development Bank (AfDB). Rumors of kickbacks have circulated, calling into question the integrity of the contract with Samcrete. These reluctances led to a blocking of financing, with a ban on SOFIBANQUE from paying the planned deposit of $27 million.
This financial blockage threatens the completion of the RN1 renovation work, and raises questions about the integrity of the decision-makers involved. Unilaterally terminating an agreement made before the Head of State risks tarnishing the image of the country and compromising relations with international partners. In addition, this endangers the electoral campaign of President Tshisekedi, who aspires to run for a second term and must meet the expectations of the population of Kananga.
It is essential that the authorities take immediate measures to resolve this situation and continue the renovation work on the RN1 in accordance with the agreements reached. The population of Kasai Central deserves quality infrastructure and improved connectivity to stimulate the economic and social development of the region. It is time for personal interests and kickbacks to give way to the general interest and the well-being of the Congolese population.