DR Congo civil society urges PM to fund stalled infrastructure projects

Civil society organizations in the Kasai-Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo are calling on Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to address the critical state of unfinished infrastructure projects. These projects, initiated under the Local Development Program for 145 Territories (PDL-145T), are reportedly stalled due to a lack of necessary funding, leaving essential facilities incomplete. According to a letter sent to the Prime Minister, numerous administrative buildings, schools, and health centers across the territories of Luiza, Kazumba, Demba, Dibaya, and Dimbelenge remain unfinished. Construction work, which had progressed between 60% and 75%, has been halted for the past two years. The Society of Civil People (SOCIPE) highlighted that many completed school buildings lack basic amenities such as benches and water sources, while health centers are missing medical equipment and furniture. SOCIPE acknowledges the government's efforts in infrastructure development but points out significant shortcomings. The organization is appealing to the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure the release of funds required to finalize these projects. Furthermore, they advocate for the rehabilitation of agricultural access roads, also part of the PDL-145T, to enhance the living conditions of the local population in Kasai-Central. This situation underscores a persistent challenge in development programs where initial construction phases are completed, but subsequent essential outfitting and maintenance are neglected due to financial constraints. The plea from civil society aims to bring attention to these stalled projects and secure the necessary resources for their completion, thereby fulfilling the program's intended benefits for the communities.

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Schools without benches, health centers without equipment, construction sites at a standstill for two years.