The national road 23 (RN23) connecting Gemena to Zongo in Sud-Ubangi province has significantly deteriorated during the rainy season. This has severely impacted the supply of essential goods to Zongo, a border town approximately 260 kilometers from Gemena. The local civil society reported on November 3 that the road's condition has led to increased prices of staple products in local markets.
The RN23, a primary supply corridor for Zongo, has become increasingly difficult to traverse due to its poor condition. Travelers report that trucks carrying goods now take several days to complete the journey, citing numerous potholes, muddy sections, and recurrent breakdowns. The civil society's framework for concertation in Zongo has raised concerns about the road's state, warning that it directly threatens the local economy.
According to Henri Blaise Mbali, president of the civil society framework, the RN23's deterioration has led to significant price increases for various consumer products. The price of a palm oil jerrycan has risen from 28,000 to 62,000 Congolese francs, while the price of a liter of fuel has increased from 5,000 to 8,000 Congolese francs. These hikes have had a ripple effect on transportation costs and prices of other essential goods.
The civil society has emphasized that the RN23 is the "economic lifeblood" of Zongo and has urged the central government to intervene promptly to rehabilitate the strategic road. The goal is to prevent further economic deterioration in the town. Recently, the Sud-Ubangi provincial government undertook maintenance work on critical sections between Bozoko 3 and Bokembe villages.
However, residents and economic operators consider these efforts insufficient given the road's overall condition. They stress that a comprehensive rehabilitation of the RN23 is necessary to restore traffic flow and secure Zongo's supply. The current situation has resulted in supply chain disruptions, affecting the local economy and the daily lives of residents.
The impact of the RN23's deterioration is felt across various sectors, including transportation, commerce, and households. With prices of essential goods increasing, residents are facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities. The civil society's call for government intervention highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a lasting solution.
The RN23's rehabilitation is crucial for Zongo's economic stability and the well-being of its residents. The central government's response to the situation will be closely watched, as the town's residents and economic operators await a solution to the road's woes.
Key points
- The RN23 road connects Gemena to Zongo in Sud-Ubangi province and serves as the primary supply corridor for the town.
- The road's deterioration has led to significant price increases for various consumer products, including palm oil and fuel.
- The civil society has urged the central government to intervene promptly to rehabilitate the strategic road and prevent further economic deterioration in Zongo.
