The Democratic Republic of Congo is advocating for the modernization of its waterways to enhance connectivity between national corridors. According to Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza, this move is crucial for the country's development. He made these remarks during a meeting with a European Union delegation in Lusaka, Zambia. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 2nd coordination meeting of the Lobito Corridor.
Minister Banza emphasized that modernizing waterways, including the Congo River, is essential for feeding into the corridors. He called for studies on dredging, buoying, and constructing ports to facilitate this process. The minister also highlighted the importance of integrating the Lobito Corridor with the Central Corridor and connecting it with other transport systems. This, he believes, will help achieve the 22,800 km of decongestion and connection of the 135,800 km of the current network.
The European Union delegation, led by Laurent Sillano, Regional and Country Programmes Unit Chief for Africa, discussed the need for the Congolese government to have detailed information on the Lobito Corridor development plan. The Cellule Infrastructures will be responsible for ensuring this work is carried out. The EU also presented Corridor 6 as a strategic axis, which will connect Douala, Cameroon, to Kampala, Uganda, in line with the Green Corridor.
Minister Banza presented the government's reconstruction dynamic and the project to create an investment bank. He stressed the need to sensitize major EU partners to support the envisaged structuring investments. According to the minister, infrastructure development must be part of an interconnection logic. The networking of national corridors will facilitate the circulation of people and goods and contribute to the decongesting of territories.
The Lobito Corridor is a vital component of the DR Congo's infrastructure development strategy. The corridor's modernization will help improve the country's transportation network and boost economic growth. Minister Banza's advocacy for waterway modernization is part of a broader effort to develop the country's infrastructure. The DR Congo is working to create a more efficient and effective transportation system.
The DR Congo's infrastructure development plans also involve the construction of new ports and the rehabilitation of existing ones. The government aims to increase the country's connectivity and facilitate trade with neighboring countries. The modernization of waterways will complement road and rail infrastructure, enhancing the overall transportation network.
The DR Congo's efforts to modernize its waterways and corridors have received support from international partners, including the European Union. The EU has expressed its commitment to supporting the country's infrastructure development plans. With the implementation of these plans, the DR Congo aims to improve its economic prospects and provide better services to its citizens.
Key points
- DR Congo seeks to modernize its waterways to improve national corridor connectivity
- The modernization of waterways will complement road and rail infrastructure
- The DR Congo's infrastructure development plans involve the construction of new ports and rehabilitation of existing ones
