President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in Kinshasa on Tuesday, formally signaling the commencement of the Étienne Tshisekedi Boulevard project. Distinguished guests at the event included Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and the capital’s Governor, Daniel Bumba. The detailed plan outlines a primary axis stretching 2,020 meters, configured with eight lanes—four in each direction—to maximize capacity. A complementary 750-meter, two-lane access ramp will further enhance connectivity. Crucially, the initiative also encompasses the development of robust drainage infrastructure, multiple bridges, culverts, and modern illumination systems, all targeted for delivery within the agreed twelve-month timeframe.

CR20 embarks on its inaugural public works project in DRC

The undertaking has been assigned to China Railway 20th Bureau Group (CR20), a prominent Chinese enterprise specializing in infrastructure development. Zhang Guoxu, General Manager of China Railway 20th Bureau Group Angola International Company, confirmed this project marks CR20’s initial venture into public works within the Democratic Republic of Congo. He affirmed the company’s commitment to deploying all necessary resources to meet the stipulated timeline, technical benchmarks, and high-quality construction standards, while also carefully managing the environmental footprint of the site. For his part, Governor Daniel Bumba underscored the imperative of strictly adhering to both technical prescriptions and contractual deadlines. The Governor expressed his strong desire for the new infrastructure to swiftly alleviate traffic congestion in the affected areas.

Prior to the ceremonial first stone laying, President Félix Tshisekedi received a comprehensive briefing, which included detailed presentations on the proposed route, design layout, and major structural components, complete with visual renderings of the future boulevard. The primary objective is clear: to significantly boost road capacity along this vital corridor and streamline transit within a capital city frequently plagued by severe traffic jams. The Étienne Tshisekedi Boulevard is envisioned as a crucial addition to Kinshasa’s current road network, providing a broader and more advanced infrastructure solution. Its ultimate success, however, hinges on the precision of its execution, timely delivery within the announced period, and seamless integration with Kinshasa’s broader transportation grid. Upon the conclusion of the projected twelve months of construction, this new artery is expected to become a pivotal part of the capital’s road system, aiming to relieve strain on several currently overburdened routes.