The government of Kinshasa has taken steps to address the recurring traffic congestion that has been paralyzing the city. On the instructions of Governor Daniel Bumba, a new traffic plan will come into effect on September 20, with the aim of improving traffic flow. The plan's first phase will focus on Zone A and will be gradually extended to the rest of the city over a period of 12 months.
The first phase of the plan will cover several key areas, including Colonel Modjiba Avenue and 30 June Boulevard, the Gombe commune, Liberation Avenue, and Democracy Avenue. To improve traffic flow, several strategic accesses and exits will be closed, and some major roads will be converted into one-way streets. These include Wangata, TSF, Komoriko, and Basoko avenues.
To guide road users, over 480 signposts will be erected throughout the area. The plan will also involve the deployment of 380 new agents who will be responsible for regulating traffic and supporting the Road Traffic Police. However, these agents will not have the power to make arrests or check driving documents.
The traffic congestion in Kinshasa has significant economic implications, affecting the supply chain and causing long queues at fuel stations. According to the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Acacia Bandubola Mbongo, the queues are not due to a fuel shortage but rather the massive traffic jams that are blocking the rotation of fuel tankers in the city.
The new traffic plan aims to alleviate these issues and improve the overall flow of traffic in Kinshasa. The plan has been developed by the provincial Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Jésus-Noël Sheke Wa Domene. The ministry has emphasized that the plan is a key step towards addressing the city's traffic congestion problems.
The authorities have assured residents that the plan will be closely monitored and adjusted as necessary to ensure its effectiveness. The government has also called on road users to cooperate with the new traffic measures and to respect the rules of the road.
The success of the plan will depend on various factors, including the effectiveness of the new traffic agents and the level of cooperation from road users. If successful, the plan could serve as a model for other cities in the region facing similar traffic congestion challenges.
Key points
- The plan's first phase will focus on Zone A, covering several key areas, including Colonel Modjiba Avenue and 30 June Boulevard.
- Over 480 signposts will be erected, and 380 new agents will be deployed to regulate traffic and support the Road Traffic Police.
- The traffic congestion in Kinshasa has significant economic implications, affecting the supply chain and causing long queues at fuel stations.
