Bunia-Kasenyi strategic road in disrepair; users demand urgent work resumption

The 55-kilometer road linking Bunia city to the lakeside town of Kasenyi in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a perilous journey for travelers. Deep potholes, erosion-induced ravines, and extensive damage to the road surface are crippling traffic along this crucial artery in the Djugu territory and the Lake Albert region.

The condition of the road has deteriorated significantly, particularly as it has been only a month since the provincial government unexpectedly halted partial rehabilitation efforts. This vital commercial route, connecting to neighboring Uganda, now sees numerous trucks laden with goods and cement immobilized or even overturned in the worst sections. Travel along the route has become an arduous ordeal, especially near the towns of Busaba, Tchomia, and at the entrance to Kasenyi.

"We taxi drivers who transit between Bunia and Kasenyi are suffering greatly," said one taxi driver operating on the route. "The road is getting worse, especially towards Busaba. Reaching Kasenyi and Tchomia is a real problem. The road has truly deteriorated; we are suffering a lot."

With the rehabilitation work on the Mbogu-Nyakero and Kasenyi plain sections halted, residents and business operators fear complete traffic disruption as the rainy season approaches. They are urgently appealing to the provincial executive to restart the construction projects. To date, Ituri provincial authorities have not provided any explanation for the suspension of the work.

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We taxi drivers who transit between Bunia and Kasenyi are suffering greatly. The road is getting worse, especially towards Busaba. Reaching Kasenyi and Tchomia is a real problem. The road has truly deteriorated; we are suffering a lot.