DRC schools remain unfinished as school year nears

As the school year approaches in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Mbanza-Ngungu territory, anxiety is mounting over unfinished schools. Three years after the launch of the local development program for 145 territories (PDL-145T), several educational facilities remain incomplete, raising concerns among local civil society groups.

These groups decry a situation that they believe compromises the right to education for numerous students. They are calling for explanations from the relevant authorities and an urgent restart of construction work. The goal is to enable children to study in suitable conditions.

Victor Nzuzi Mbembe, a civil society activist in Luozi, described the dire state of affairs. "We have unfinished schools," he stated, citing EP 1 and 2 INERA Mvuazi as examples. "There is only one building with three classrooms covered with corrugated iron. Even the doors are not yet fixed. As for the other planned buildings, with three classrooms, offices, and toilets, let's not even talk about them. Especially the multipurpose hall, which doesn't exist even though it was on the blueprint."

“

We have schools incompleted. We have EP 1 and 2 INERA Mvuazi, where there is only one building of three classrooms covered with corrugated iron. Even the doors are not yet fixed. As for the other buildings planned, with three classrooms, offices and toilets, let's not even talk about them. Especially the multipurpose hall, which does not exist while it was on the blueprint.

Mbembe further lamented that construction sites have been abandoned since December 2023 without any explanation. "Our children are abandoned!" he exclaimed. "In the current classrooms, we have between 115 and 120 students in the first year. There is EP Kivulu, as well as many other schools in the territory of Mbanza-Ngungu, which are still not finished. It's truly unfortunate!"

The PDL-145T, initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi in 2021, aims to reduce poverty and inequality by transforming living conditions across the nation's 145 territories. Its components include developing basic socioeconomic infrastructure, revitalizing local economies, strengthening governance, and establishing a georeferenced information system. However, the persistent delays in completing numerous construction projects nationwide are causing significant distress to local populations.

“

Our children are abandoned! In the current classrooms, we have between 115 and 120 students in the first year. There is EP Kivulu, as well as many other schools in the territory of Mbanza-Ngungu, which are still not finished. It's truly unfortunate!