The Democratic Republic of Congo's government is pushing to finalize the first phase of the Programme de développement local de 145 territoires (PDL-145T), a major initiative aimed at local development, reducing territorial disparities, and improving access to basic social services. Minister of State for Planning and Development Coordination, Guylain Nyembo, chaired the seventh meeting of the National Operational Committee (CONA) to evaluate progress and plan the next steps. The program is critical to achieving the government's development goals.
The PDL-145T program consists of two main phases. The first phase focuses on constructing socio-economic infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, and administrative buildings. According to Nyembo, the government aims to complete this phase quickly, as per the President's directives, to meet the expectations of the Congolese people. The program has already achieved significant results, with 1,100 projects completed, including 652 school infrastructure, 370 healthcare facilities, and 78 administrative buildings.
The second phase of the PDL-145T program will focus on rehabilitating agricultural roads to improve access to production areas and markets. This phase aims to reduce transportation costs, facilitate the flow of agricultural products, and strengthen local economies. However, due to financial constraints, only 3,700 kilometers of agricultural roads will be rehabilitated, compared to the initial plan of 10,000 kilometers. The program's coordinators are working to harmonize agricultural roads with provincial and national roads to ensure seamless connectivity.
Jean-Philippe Mukuaki, coordinator of the Technical Committee for Monitoring the PDL-145T (CTSP), stated that the preparatory phase for the second phase is complete. The cost of rehabilitation is estimated to be between $50,000 and $70,000 per kilometer, while maintenance costs are expected to be around $4,500 for routine maintenance and $8,000 to $10,000 for periodic maintenance. The program's implementing agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Cellule d'exécution des financements en faveur des États fragiles (CFEF), and the Bureau central de coordination (BCECO), have presented their progress reports.
The DRC government's efforts to accelerate the PDL-145T program are crucial for the country's development. The program aims to address the disparities in access to basic services and infrastructure across the country. By investing in socio-economic infrastructure and agricultural roads, the government hopes to stimulate economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance the overall quality of life for Congolese citizens.
The program's focus on agricultural road rehabilitation is particularly significant, as it will help to increase access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and promote agricultural productivity. The government's commitment to completing the first phase and launching the second phase demonstrates its dedication to achieving its development goals. The international community, including the UNDP and other development partners, is supporting the program to ensure its success.
As the DRC government continues to implement the PDL-145T program, it faces challenges, including financial constraints and the need for effective coordination among implementing agencies. However, with the support of development partners and the commitment of the government, the program is expected to make a positive impact on the lives of Congolese citizens. The program's success will depend on effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring to ensure that its objectives are achieved.
Key points
- The DRC government is accelerating the completion of the first phase of the PDL-145T program, focusing on socio-economic infrastructure construction.
- The second phase of the program will focus on rehabilitating agricultural roads to improve access to production areas and markets.
- The program has already achieved significant results, with 1,100 projects completed, including 652 school infrastructure, 370 healthcare facilities, and 78 administrative buildings.
