SAFRIMEX and REGIDESO reconcile, relaunching road construction collaboration in Kananga

A months-long conflict between construction firm SAFRIMEX and the water distribution authority REGIDESO in the Kasai-Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been resolved. The two entities agreed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, to strengthen their partnership, enabling the continuation of road rehabilitation projects in Kananga while safeguarding potable water networks.

The dispute originated when road construction activities by SAFRIMEX caused damage to REGIDESO's water pipes. This led to water supply disruptions in several Kananga neighborhoods and slowed down progress on various construction sites. To address the issue, a delegation including representatives from the Central Bureau of Coordination (BCECO), REGIDESO, SAFRIMEX, and control missions visited affected sites where roadworks intersect with water distribution systems.

The mission aimed to assess the situation and establish a collaborative mechanism to prevent future incidents involving hydraulic infrastructure. Following discussions, the provincial director of REGIDESO, Michel Tshijik, pledged to improve cooperation with all project stakeholders. This includes the swift development of technical estimates to secure water distribution networks along roads where SAFRIMEX is working.

REGIDESO stated that this initiative will allow SAFRIMEX to proceed with road rehabilitation without further damaging water infrastructure. Tshijik also reaffirmed REGIDESO's commitment to supporting SAFRIMEX in overcoming challenges related to interventions on water networks. Four technical estimates are expected to be prepared starting Tuesday for several affected sites. This agreement marks the end of the standoff and paves the way for better coordination on infrastructure projects in Kananga.

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We are committed to strengthening our collaboration to allow the continuation of road rehabilitation work in Kananga while protecting drinking water distribution networks.