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 love the design its very unique sort of like African village huts, we definitely need this and I am certain we will push it through however I want to tell the Somaliland Society and other Somaliland communities we need more coordinated and organized appeal that targets Somalilanders around the world also I believe a Dahabshiil account is way better than a Barclay because not all countries have the same system, its slightly confusing.
Also what is the account name?
Better coordination is needed – I am in Australia and would donate but need better option than Barclay, I am sure others feel the same.
Good job.
@Jubba, you are in Australia and are in approximate distance to Somaliland and so are those Somalilanders in the Arabian Gulf Area. So, if you guys go around the universities whenever you have a time and ask for books as donates because it is easier to send to Somaliland. Europian universities revise and up date their books every time there a change in an event around the world and they normally donate the old books to undeveloped countries. So give it a try.
I will try and see what we can do here, in Western Canada.
@ http://www.pad.eu.com/architecture_somaliland_lib… check this link or search for Somaliland National Library on facebook for the revised design…it will definitely be an iconic structure insha'Allah
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
Check this and help us progress this project
This is one of the best ideas and projects I have heard of in terms of aiding the development of Somaliland. Growing up in London I understand the difficulty there is around searching for authentic facts, figures and history of somaliland. Having this source of reference for all the documentation on our nation would really be vaulable and inshallah we should all do our part to help.
I believe this to be a extremely good idea and an amazing project, Having this source of reference for a all the documentation for Somaliland will prove to be very valuable asset for future generations.
Why are you deleting my comments for?
Looks like there is a technical problem. Some times my comments seem not be appearing or says "deleted by the administrator".
I agree we need a more coordinated fundraising events in every country. Dahabshiil is our bank and we should use it.
We, as youth in Hargeisa excitedly need to have a National Library n the town. This is what we are waiting for long time. We certainly thank you for your timely suggestions.
Farhan A. Suleiman
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Farhan thanks for the comments…….this is a project majority of our people do not understand its value….we have been labouring with the project for over three years and we will never give up…..if you are still in Hargeisa….establish a group of friends for the National Library to create the awareness and grass-root support
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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It is important to have a National Library in every Somaliland city. A National Library is overdue.There is a problem, I am not good at paying money but definitely i will donate books.
Dr. Weli, money is not all that is required……….we need your technical advise, help in the campaign, and yes collect the books once we have the infrastructure and the system to ensure the entire country benefits
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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We got to be transparent and accurate, you don't want to call anybody a Dr without a doctorate degree. Saed Ahmed Hasan is dont a doctor but Bulhan is. just correction no offense. Hargaisa need a library, masha Allah great cause.
The Europeans had Libraries, but they were also churches. So Somaliland people should consider similar diverse use for such a building to encourage learning, equity and a harmonious society.
I am assuming such library will be used for recording births, marriages, deaths, town planning , business contracts etc.
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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first of all salamz ppl im so glad that we are thinking in the right direction ..its the first step of the bright future ..its the place that help more than money can give ..making ppl read an learn ..thats how we gonna open the future for every one………..that library will be the first but not the last ..fir more good ideas im thinking to have some place that ppl can meet an give them ideas aboiut them country in freely way ..
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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once again thanks t to the landers who are working hard and striving to make thinks better in somaliland. will donate money and books insha allah but dahabshill is the better choice than Barclay's
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
Check this and help us progress this project
Good Fundraising appeal, Well donate today.
Good job SL community in london . Education Education Education .
Thank you to Faisal aswell always a real wadani.
What A good way to contribute to the entire wellbeing of the people.
You get all may support for this great appeal
Adan Farah, Copenhagen.
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
Check this and help us progress this project