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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Energy & Infrastructure

Toll suspension for 48 hours to ease traffic on RN1 in Kasangulu

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A 48-hour suspension of tolls has been implemented on the RN1 highway at Kasangulu to alleviate severe traffic congestion.
  • The measure, decided by the Minister of Infrastructure, aims to improve traffic flow while roadworks continue.
  • A temporary alternate traffic system and a toll exemption are also in place to ease the bottleneck.

In a decisive move to tackle the crippling traffic congestion plaguing the Route Nationale 1 (RN1) at Kasangulu, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza Lunda, has ordered a 48-hour suspension of tolls. This critical intervention, effective Saturday, May 16, seeks to restore the vital economic artery's functionality, which has been severely hampered by ongoing road construction.

Minister Banza Lunda personally observed the gridlock, noting that the strategic highway had ceased to serve its purpose as an economic lung due to the extensive traffic jams. Responding to expert advice, including from the Director General of the Congolese Road Agency (ACGT), the Minister mandated a temporary halt to construction and the implementation of an alternating traffic system. This approach aims to allow traffic to resume while construction progresses incrementally.

I have asked, after hearing the explanations of our experts, including the Director General of the Congolese Agency for Major Works, that we temporarily stop the work and implement alternating traffic. The objective is to allow traffic to resume while continuing the work progressively.

— John Banza LundaExplaining the decision to suspend tolls and implement alternating traffic to alleviate congestion on RN1.

Furthermore, concessionaires have been instructed to grant temporary toll exemptions to all users of the RN1 during this period. The immediate goal is to facilitate smoother traffic flow, particularly through the Kasangulu crossing, where road elevation work is underway. The construction on the final 100 meters of the Kasangulu stretch will now proceed on an alternating basis to maintain circulation.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, plans are in motion to construct an alternative route connecting Mvululu to Mangala, via the RN1. This long-term project, with studies completed in 2024 by the ACGT, is expected to provide a lasting solution to the chronic congestion. The Minister also announced a forthcoming period of administrative rigor, with a comprehensive evaluation of road concessions slated to begin the following week, aimed at reforming management and compensation mechanisms to prevent future disruptions to road users.

We are suspending the toll for 48 hours to promote traffic fluidity and then resume work on an alternating basis.

— John Banza LundaClarifying the immediate measures taken to address traffic issues on RN1.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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