Kisangani's Urban Road Asphalt Works Explained in Forum

In Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a forum was held to discuss the ongoing asphalt works on urban roads. According to Sother Kibomi, Director General of the Office of Road and Drainage (OVD), the works are progressing normally, with adherence to technical norms and schedules, despite some challenges on the ground. The forum was organized by the Working Group on Decentralization and Elections (GTDE).

The asphalt works in Kisangani are being executed with consideration for existing infrastructure, including water and electricity lines. However, some difficulties have been encountered, such as old pipes from the water utility, Regideso, and underground power cables. These issues have caused some delays, but the OVD remains committed to completing the project. Kibomi assured that the works will be finished on schedule.

The forum also highlighted the importance of citizen participation in monitoring the works. François Lemba, Secretary General of GTDE, called on young people to act as witnesses to the urban road works, while the population is encouraged to play a role in citizen oversight. The organizers hope that this dialogue between technical services, authorities, and citizens will strengthen public participation in preserving the infrastructure.

The event, themed "Citizen Engagement in the Face of the Current State of Urban Roads in Kisangani: What Citizen Actions to Recommend?", was supported financially by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The forum brought together various stakeholders, including local authorities, technical services, and civil society representatives. Discussions focused on the importance of citizen engagement in ensuring the success of the project.

The asphalt works in Kisangani aim to improve the city's road network, which has been deteriorating over the years. The project is expected to enhance the quality of life for residents and facilitate the movement of goods and services. Once completed, the new roads will also contribute to the local economy's growth.

The Working Group on Decentralization and Elections (GTDE) has been actively involved in promoting citizen participation in local development projects. By organizing forums like this one, GTDE aims to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public works projects. This approach is expected to help build trust between citizens and local authorities.

The Kisangani forum concluded with a call for sustained dialogue between stakeholders to ensure the project's success. The participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration to address any challenges that may arise during the project's implementation. The event demonstrated the commitment of local stakeholders to working together to improve the urban infrastructure in Kisangani.

Key points

• The asphalt works in Kisangani are progressing normally, with adherence to technical norms and schedules.
• The project aims to improve the city's road network and contribute to local economic growth.
• Citizen participation and oversight are crucial to the project's success.