The president of the Tshopo provincial assembly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Matheus Kanga, has called on the head of state to intervene and suspend the impending ban on wooden boats on the Congo River. In a letter dated November 7, Kanga warned of severe economic and social consequences for the landlocked province if the ban takes effect. He noted that most boats used for river transport in Tshopo are made of wood.
Kanga argued that requiring boat owners to replace their wooden boats with metal ones by November 15 is unrealistic given the short notice. He also pointed out that the province lacks a well-developed road network to compensate for the potential disruption of river traffic. The Congo River and its tributaries are the primary means of communication between territories, serving for the transport of people, goods, and medicine.
The ban on wooden boats was set to take effect on November 15. Kanga predicted that enforcing the ban without alternative solutions could lead to increased food prices and job losses for hundreds of people dependent on river transport. While acknowledging the need to enhance passenger safety, he advocated for measures tailored to local conditions, such as registering boats and strengthening inspections.
This is not Kanga's first attempt to address the issue. Previously, he had requested a 12-month moratorium from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport to allow boat owners in Tshopo to comply with government regulations. The measure banning wooden boats on the Congo River was announced earlier, with safety concerns being a major factor.
A recent incident highlighted the risks associated with wooden boats. On August 6, a boat capsized near Kisangani, resulting in at least six deaths and 31 survivors. The incident occurred near the village of Linoko on the Congo River. Local sources reported that the passenger manifest had not been found, leaving the exact number of passengers unknown.
Kanga's request for a moratorium comes amid concerns over the economic impact of the ban. He warned that an abrupt halt to wooden boat operations could have far-reaching consequences for the local economy. The province relies heavily on river transport, and disrupting this service could exacerbate existing challenges.
The provincial assembly president emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses safety concerns while minimizing the negative impact on the local population. He urged the government to consider the realities on the ground and find a solution that works for all parties involved. The outcome of Kanga's request remains to be seen.
Key points
- Matheus Kanga requests a 12-month moratorium on the ban of wooden boats on the Congo River.
