The Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed a significant infrastructure development with the construction of the Route nationale numéro un (RN1), a 833 km road connecting Mbuji-Mayi to Nguba. Funded entirely by the Sino-congolaise des mines (Sicomines), this project aims to bridge the gap between the Grand Kasaï and Grand Katanga regions. The RN1 project has been divided into six lots, with lot 3, spanning 152 km from Kaniama to Lumba Mongo, being a crucial segment that ensures the connection between the two regions.
The construction of lot 3 has made significant progress, with the road now being practicable. The project involves building a concrete bitumen road, similar to the rest of the 833 km stretch. So far, seven metal bridges are being replaced with concrete ones, with two already completed and three nearing completion. The project also involves the construction of new bridges and installation of culverts. According to Hans, the mission chief of surveillance for lot 3, the primary goal was to make the road practicable to allow the population to travel between Kaniama and Kamina during the construction process.
The impact of the RN1 project is already being felt by the local population. Travel time between Kaniama and Kamina has been significantly reduced, from 9-10 hours to just 4.5 hours. The journey from Kaniama to Kolwezi, which previously took four days, can now be completed in just one day. This reduction in travel time has also led to a decrease in the prices of food and construction materials. Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the project, citing improved access to markets and services.
The RN1 project has also had a positive impact on the agricultural sector. The road has enabled farmers to transport their produce, such as maize and vegetables, from Kaniama to other parts of the country, including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Kolwezi. The Service national de Kaniama Kasese, a major agricultural producer in the region, has benefited directly from the project. According to Dominique Ngoie Kanonde, Secretary General of the Confédération des agriculteurs et éleveurs pour le développement du territoire de Kaniama (Cafedeka), the road has improved the economy and reduced prices in the region.
The project's benefits extend beyond the agricultural sector. Transporters and drivers have also reported significant improvements in their operations. Jean-Paul Lukozi, a truck driver, noted that the journey from Kaniama to Mbuji-Mayi used to take several days, but now takes just a few hours. The improved road has also enabled drivers to carry more cargo, increasing their efficiency and productivity.
Local leaders have expressed their gratitude to the Chinese partners and the Congolese government for the project. Paulin Kabeya Kabeya, chief of the Mwene Tshiyi group, praised the project's progress and hoped for its completion. The project's success is seen as a testament to the cooperation between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The completion of the RN1 project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's economic development. The road will not only improve connectivity between regions but also increase access to markets, services, and opportunities. As the project nears completion, residents and stakeholders are optimistic about the future prospects of the region.
Key points
- The RN1 project has reduced travel time between Kasaï and Katanga regions.
- The project has improved access to markets and services for local residents.
- The road has increased the transportation of agricultural produce, boosting the local economy.
