The Kananga-Kalamba-Mbuji road project in the Democratic Republic of Congo has made considerable progress, with over 50 kilometers of the road reaching the foundation layer stage. This layer is designed to support the various layers that make up the road. According to the Minister of State for Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza Lunda, 43 kilometers of the 230-kilometer road have already been paved. This was announced during an inspection visit on September 20 in the Central Kasaï province.
The project has seen approximately 40 kilometers of the road paved, including 30 kilometers fully asphalted and 20 kilometers at the monolayer and base layer stages. This progress is considered encouraging. The Minister of State for Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza Lunda, conducted the inspection to assess the project's progress. He was accompanied by Jean-Claude Mido Mbuete and the provincial director of the ACGT, along with control and surveillance teams.
According to the ACGT, the project has a global execution rate of nearly 22%. The works are ongoing on several fronts, including the construction of drainage structures and the implementation of various road sub-layers. The ongoing supply of bitumen is expected to enable the continuation of paving operations. The project aims to improve connectivity in the region, with villages such as Matamba, Shamatengu, Kadiata, Kambundi, and Mbula-Mbula already benefiting from better access.
The construction of the foundation layer is ongoing, with works continuing up to kilometer 60. To ensure the quality of the works, control and surveillance missions regularly conduct technical tests at each execution stage. The Deputy Director-General of the ACGT also inspected several ongoing projects in the Bandundu area. The project is expected to be completed before 2028.
The project began on July 3, 2024, with a ceremony directed by the Minister of Infrastructure, Public Works, and Reconstruction, Alexis Gisaro, in Matamba. President Félix Tshisekedi had promised to complete the project before the end of his term, stating, "I will not end my term without the construction of the Kalamba-Mbuji road being completed."
The project's progress has been significant, with 30 kilometers of the road fully asphalted in two years. The project's execution rate is expected to increase with the ongoing supply of bitumen. The improved connectivity is expected to have a positive impact on the local communities.
The Kananga-Kalamba-Mbuji road project is a significant infrastructure development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project's completion is expected to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life for local residents. The project's progress will be closely monitored to ensure its timely completion.
Key points
- Over 40 kilometers of the Kananga-Kalamba-Mbuji road have been paved in two years.
- The project has a global execution rate of nearly 22%.
- The project is expected to be completed before 2028.
