Infrastructure works in Kawéni and Kinshasa disrupt transport

Infrastructure projects in Kawéni and Kinshasa are causing significant logistical and economic challenges for local transport workers and commuters.

In Kawéni, ongoing roadworks on the national road have led to severe traffic congestion. Taxi drivers report a drastic reduction in daily trips, falling from six or seven to as few as two or three. This decline in productivity, combined with high fuel costs, has made many routes unprofitable, prompting some drivers to consider leaving the profession. Passengers also face increased travel times and stress due to saturated transit axes.

In Kinshasa, the Agence congolaise des grands travaux has announced a three-month concreting project on a 1.4 km stretch of the RN1 between Camp PM and Cité Verte, starting September 4. The project, to be executed by SOPECO, is critical as the RN1 serves as a major artery for goods and passengers traveling toward the port of Matadi. To mitigate congestion, work will be conducted in stages, paving narrow lanes at a time to maintain partial traffic flow.