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).
Commander, Combined Maritime Forces
shoot them
With PirateLand Captain Faroole sidelined in the political process of Moqadishu for the foreseeable future beyond year 2020 in addition Moqadishu government being the first legitimate SELECTED government which has total authority over Somalia-Italia "PART" of the former Somali-republic. It has been public knowledge since the SELECTED that Bari, Nugaal and Mudug regions of Somalia will enter a state of unrest and return to total anarchy. In the next 10years we will witness a significant increase in piracy, human trafficking and unrest in the Northern parts of Somalia as these parts are further sidelined out of the political process in Moqadishu.
The Preventative measure required to offset these escalating CIRCUMSTANCES is the successful conclusion of the 2-STATE dialogue process established between Somaliland and Somalia. When and IF the UN and IC support this 2-STATE process to conclude in an effective manner the RESULTING 2-STATE relationship will make it possible in creating the cooperation between the 2-STATE in eliminating Piracy and human trafficking.
The Government in Somaliland has 22 years of preventing piracy on it's shores and FACILITATING a GOOD working relationship between the neighboring STATES will result in outright eradication of piracy once and for all.
The converse will result in the expansion of the piracy afflicted zone.
2-STATE dialogue is the KEY to peace and harmony in the HORN.
Don’t be naive you silly Faqash. Somali government is nothing but a name. It’s has no power what so ever.
@Buuxey…..Somaliland can not even provide its people with water let alone piracy. It failed to sell the idea to the people of the region excepts ''Is@@qs''. Pleas before you even dream further, get recognition from the people you claim t represent (beside Is@@qs), let alone recognition from the International community.
@hadhka… You mean Somaliland exist by name. Its not even recognized in wikipedia let alone internationally. Furthermore it's not even recognised outside the ''Isaaq'' clan, let alone by the people of the North.
Puntland is on Fire Pirate Faroole was stoned and chased out of Qardho today
Faroole has ZERO control of the Pirate Dingy and it is sinking fast 9th Jan 2013 all HELL is breaking loose in Gerowe.
Coup d'etat is on the horizon Silaanyo and Hassan simply need to supply the bullets and sit a watch the fire works.
No wonder these Western Nations are trying their best to change the territorial waters of Somalia
have a good read of this:
http://www.un.org/Depts/los/LEGISLATIONANDTREATIE…
“Through the combined efforts of multiple nations and Task Forces we have ensured the safety of the maritime environment. We will continue to patrol these waters and demonstrate our commitment to regional security and stability.” This statement shows their is no excuse for ignoring lawfull ways to face any problems. Piracy is wrong and unexcuse for being too weak to use the law to show you're issues. Instead others are today showing you it is possible.
correctiion. an excuse. Instead of unexcuse.
Before i came to this site, I never care for that tribal shiiiit, but here I am starting to feel hostility towards S/landers for one simple reason because stupid shiit you say in comment section.
This is none but a tool for the non existing Somaliland Republic.
Somaliland State of Somalia is the only thing I and rest of the nation is willing to recognize, and if we do decided to let you go your own way we will make sure we take SSC and AWDAL STATE.
I am and always well be a support of a Strong untied Somalia and I support the Federal System, and if you stupid Somalis would throw this tribal shiit out window. Greater Somalia would exist and it it would the greastest place to live.
We the Somali nation are Entrepreneurs, Poets, Warriors, Farmers, Fishermen (owner of the longest in Africa). We have many Shcolars, and many Religious Scholars. We have what many poor nation wish they had to become successful.Yet here we are in this sick condition.
May ALLAH helps
That chance is gone for good my friend.
Puntland and Jubbaland do not support the Federal government of Somalia and i suppose when the 2-STATE dialogue is being conducted this fact should be considered and Somalia reduced to Galgaduud-to-Banadir minus the ASWJ-Mareehan degaans who will be joining Jubbaland?
If Darood leave the Somalia project then i suppose there is no reason the Rahanweyne have to remain and as such Bay, bakool and all the D&M degaans should also be removed from Somalia…
2-STATE solution that respects the borders of the 2-STATES that formed the UNION in 1960!!! each state regaining their own state borders without any compromise is the most viable option.
Khaakhtuf and Awdal states were formed by Dayusbara with ZERO legitimacy and as such have no credibility to be considered during the 2-STATE dialogue process.
Somaliland is ONE.
Somalia is federations but we will consider them as ONE.
2-STATE is a reality and Nobody can stop it not the UN, AU nor Arab league