This initiative will benefit over 19 million people by facilitating access to markets, improving the availability of agricultural products and food security, and supporting mobility and economic activities
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ --
Roads in Kenge, Kikwit, Tshikapa, Kamuensha, and Mbuji-Mayi have been completely rehabilitated, new stretches of road built, and urban roads modernized. Numerous examples of socioeconomic infrastructure have also benefited from the financial support of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), helping to transform the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Congolese.
The Mayi Nunene health centre was built as part of the project to strengthen socioeconomic infrastructure in central DRC
View of the RN1 section at Batshamba
A multi-sectoral mission from the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the African Development Bank witnessed the impact of these investments during field visits to the five municipalities in western DRC between 5 and 19 May 2025. More specifically, the three projects, financed by the Bank, focus on rehabilitating road infrastructure, enhancing air safety, and improving access to basic social services.
Health centres, hydraulic structures equipped with modern technology, provincial rural markets, schools, a refurbished runway in Mbuji-Mayi, and air safety equipment meeting international standards are just some of the successes the joint mission was able to witness.
"The mission measured the concrete impact of the projects supported by the Bank in Kasai. From roads to social infrastructure and air safety, progress is visible and is transforming the lives of the population. We pay tribute to the work completed and remain committed to consolidating the gains achieved, in particular with the extension of the Mbuji-Mayi runway to make it a hub that meets international standards," commented Mohamed Coulibaly, Country Programme Manager in charge of the Bank Group's Office in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Opening a key route in the road network
The first stage of the mission concerned the project to rehabilitate the Kinshasa/Ndjili-Batshamba section of national road no. 1. The project involves the rehabilitation of 622 kilometres of road between Kinshasa and Batshamba via Kenge and Kikwit, a key route in the Congolese road network. In the past, this strategic corridor was virtually impassable due to the advanced deterioration of the road surface and a series of sinkholes, and took several days or in some cases weeks, to drive along. Thanks to $68.57 million in funding from the African Development Bank, the work carried out now means the route can be travelled safely in less than a day. This improves connectivity between the capital and the provinces of Mai-Ndombe, Kwango, Kwilu and Kasaï.
"In addition to asphalting the road, the Bank has financed the construction and equipping of schools, health centres, boreholes, rural markets, social reintegration centres, administrative buildings, a modern market and weigh stations along the route, as well as the rehabilitation of over 700 kilometres of rural roads," explains Jean Luemba, the RN1 project coordinator. The Bank has also provided substantial logistical support (vehicles and IT equipment) to the state structures involved in the projects.
Ultimately, this initiative will benefit over 19 million people by facilitating access to markets, improving the availability of agricultural products and food security, and supporting mobility and economic activities.
Significant progress in social infrastructure
In terms of social infrastructure, the achievements of the second phase of the Project for the Reinforcement of Socioeconomic Infrastructure in the Central Region (PRISE II) are significant: most of the construction work on schools, health centres, public latrines, and rural markets has been completed or is nearing completion. The execution rate is estimated at 75%. As for the 41 schools under construction, most are ready for handover. The same applies to the 40 health centres, whose buildings have been completed. Public markets are also making good progress, with several structures already operational.
In addition, the project has planned community awareness-raising and vocational training activities, including training young people in plumbing, promoting hygiene and local water governance. During the joint mission, the national authorities reiterated their willingness to broaden the scope of the "PRISE" project by integrating geophysical studies into the Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, thus supporting the national ambition of universal coverage in this area. The project's aim is to reach over 870,000 direct beneficiaries in 10 provinces, by improving access rates to water, sanitation, health and education.
Advanced airport infrastructure
In the air transport sector, a visit to the second phase of the Priority Air Safety Project (PPSA2) revealed remarkable progress in the rehabilitation and extension of the Mbuji-Mayi runway. Around 85% of the 320-metre runway has already been completed. The new tarmac is 95% complete, while the ramp, service road and runway end safety areas (RESA) are 70 to 75% complete. Vital technical infrastructure such as the control tower, power plant, fire station, and lighting system are nearing completion. At Kisangani-Bangoka international airport, the aircraft movement areas, taxiways and tarmac have been completely rehabilitated, and two turn pads have been installed.
In addition, six radio navigation systems (DVOR/DME) have been deployed at Goma, Mbuji-Mayi, Kindu, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Mbandaka, enhancing the safety of domestic flights. Eight VHF radio channels have also been installed at several secondary airports to improve aeronautical communication. The upgrading of equipment, combined with capacity-building for technical staff, has reduced the number of air accidents in the DRC from an average of 10 to one a year.
The project also includes training for the Régie des voies aériennes staff in the following areas: safety and air bases, maintenance techniques and project management for the Régie, and air transport inspectors for the Civil Aviation Authority.
At the end of the visit, the mission underlined the technical quality of the work carried out, the commitment of the contractors and local ownership. In Tshikapa, a local resident declared: "Tshikapa today is the African Development Bank!", testifying to the visibility and tangible impact of the projects on the daily lives of the local population.
These results also illustrate the importance of close coordination between the Bank, the Congolese government and technical and financial partners, including the European Union and the World Bank, which were also involved in the construction of certain sections of the RN1.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
I think it should read that K'naan is a "rapper" not a "rapist". Actually I'm positive that it should say that!
Very exciting to have Rexdale represented in Hargesia!
I think it should read that K'naan is a "rapper" not a "rapist". Actually I'm positive that it should say that!
Very exciting to have Rexdale represented in Hargesia!
loool I'm fairly certain that its "rapper" as well!!!!
Weird isn't it? A man from Mogadishu in Somaliland, what if he was poor and not famous?
Don't be silly, how many poor and infamous refugees from Mogadishu are currently in Somaliland?
Please, think before jumping into wrong conclusions.
Are they treated with sympathy or pseudo-racism?
Maybe you should visit, before accepting propaganda you hear from third-party.
Who said anything about "rapist"? Where did you get that idea from? Yes, Dixion, Redale, Islington and surrounding areas are all young K'naan's hangouts. What is your point, Brydon? Do you have a beef with him or are you a stalker? He is guest at Neighbour cousins and most welcome here. Don't try to bad mounth him at our own home turf. So, why don't take a hike M+++n!
We are one step closer to recognition now that a rapper is here to do a documentary on Somalia!
Argh! – get better stores Somaliland Press
P.S. K'naan does not believe is Somaliland, so why the hell is everyone so cheerful? Somaliland's biggest obstacle to recognition is the stupid behaviour of some Somalilanders 9 times out of 10.
really so good.. i wish if he could do a concert too!1..im sure it will get big successs down here in hargeisa.. coz pp loves his music specially young people who grew up outside the country and there is a lot of them who lives in hargeisa!!
I'm an American. I visied Hargeisa a couple of years ago. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I hope the Kanaan's visit will bring this to light. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame. This meeting will be very exciting to see on film. I can;t wait to see the documentary.
Oh my God! this is soo exciting!! I am a big fan of K'naan. I hope he could do a concert!
he should go and have a concert in mogadisho where he belongs. who knows mabe he would be influenced to rid himself of this evil he is spreading amongst the muslim youth. Allah guide him on the straight path. what is wrong with you people, idolsing celebs as though they are some sought of saints. i bet most of you who have commented are muslim right? then where is the proof that what he is doing is right. Allah make the shabaab successful insha allah and rid Islam of these imposters.
Let the kids have fun and pls stop this hatred. Shabab dude get a life and spend ur energy on something meaningful in ur sorry life.
nice a skinny walaweyn comes to town and people are falling over themselves and that includes incompetent minister who has nothing better but to meet a virtually unkown rapper from mogadishu, why to go Somaliland. Reminds me of that Maryan Mursal episode
Your sick and self-hating, there is nothing wrong with K'naan visiting his Hargeisa — you don't own Somaliland nor Hargeisa, talk when K'naan visits your block or home, that's even if you own one there.
K'naan welcome home!
Give him a slack, Warfaa. He is a young man who doesn't know much about the magnitude of what really happened. He was too young to understand. Besides, he is in our country. Let us give him the hospitality we are famous for.After all, unlike his age groups, he is a young who wants to learn more about his roots and its rich culture. Give him all the assistance he heeds.
Knaan Welcome to Hargeisa Somaliland, the home of Somali music. Love you.
Gobaad I have nothing against him I just pointed out how we Somalilanders always seek recognition from others who view us as Somalis. Kenaan is in Somaliland to film songs for his album beacuse his hometown Mogadisho is too chaotic for him so the alternative is Somaliland, that is all good, but my beef is when the album comes out and the title reads Filmed in Hargeisa Somalia.
@ Warfaa – Today's young people including our own growing abroad do not know what the fuss is all about or bothered to research about the facts and what reaaly happened.
You are right about that he can not go to Mogadisho because of the chaos. But then again, he interested in to connect with Somali literature and the rich Somaliland poets and poetry that our culture is famous for. Give him some slack! He is a young who didn't ask for what happened or interested to promote it like others. if he would have gone to Mogadisho, what would he would have gotten. There is no Murti or rich Suugaan. Hargeisa is the home of this rich, rich culture, a home of poets, singer, and song writers.
After all, we allowed the real individuals criminals who committed the atrocties against Somalilanders, go free and nobody is going after them or looking for them to bring them to justice.
Warfaa, chill!!..There will always be cultural, social and economic ties between Somaliland and Somalia, but not a political one. Besides, the guy is a musician, a young man trying to find his cultural roots, take it easy!!!..
Kariye I dont need you to tell me to chill or take it easy, I presented facts and you reply with cultural, social and economic ties between two different countries. Somalilanders in 1960 made that very same mistake by rushing to integrate Somaliland with Somalia and 40 years later oh well you get the point. Somaliland can not claim to be independent on one hand and a pro-Somalia on the other, choose one
He is young I get that but does he know Hargeisa is not part of Somalia? I doubt he does, our problem as Somalilanders is we cling to the "Somali" part too much we come across as Somalis at the end of the day
There is nothing wrong with if he writes filmed in Hargeisa – Somalia on his video or album because he is an artist and as far as the world is concern, Somaliland is not recognized, I'm from Somaliland and if I was dealing with international audience or market, I would use the best or the well known card. Its business nothing political or personal.
this guy is awsome
K'naan is a prominent Somali Musician. The most famous in recent times and internationally well known. He is bigger than all the critics and he knows it. His love for peace and most of all the Somali literature is what brought him here in Hargeisa. Theere will always be tunnel-vissioned, narrow minded peaple who will look at negatives in every thing.. We hope K'naan enjoys his stay in Hargeisa. He is very much welcomed. We are proud of his achievements and hope our brothers in South Somalia take an example. Peace and Love to all.
HE should come to Borama as well
HE should come to Burao as well
Regardless of how I feel about what k’naan does for a living, it’s not my place to judge but since he has come to Hargiesa I think we should know where he stands on the whole Independent Somaliland matter. Personally I wouldn’t want a b-list celebrity, regardless of his nationality, one that propagates the “Somali Wayn” concept to arrive at Somaliland’s capital. The argument here is that if K’naan is a Somali Wayn-ist he shouldn’t be allowed in our land if he is not then he is welcome.
k'naan is a poet, philosipher, intelligent, globally recognized and most of all a decent open-minded young man. if he had been an ignorant guy he wud never-ever have come into somali soil. This man has recognized that no matter how much money you have, you'll always need your country. He sees somaliland as somalia. The "land" dont make a significant change to him. All of the people whom live abroad and have seeked asylum in westerb countries try n realize what this rich well-estbilished hip hop artist has recognized, that it's inevatible to not come back to where u really belong. So we need to drastic action to leave these wester conuntires before they kick us out. they dont like us at all!!!!!!
If K9 was an intelectual he would have already began the germination of the concept that recognition of somaliland is the last remaining train for destination somaliweyn… accepting dismantlement as means to justify the end!
freak i aint know what u chatting bout man!
bismiah hamdoh suisse abdi moto tare cacca
:$
:):DxD;):p^_^:$B):*<3:S:|=/:x:o:(:@:'( abdi
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbccccccccccccccccddddddddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh