In Kinshasa on Tuesday, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Étienne Tshisekedi Boulevard, marking the official commencement of the construction works. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and the capital’s Governor, Daniel Bumba, were among the dignitaries attending the event. The project details outline a main artery stretching 2,020 meters, featuring eight traffic lanes—four in each direction. This will be complemented by a 750-meter, two-lane access ramp. The scope of work further includes the implementation of robust drainage systems, new bridges, culverts, and advanced lighting installations. A contractual completion period of twelve months has been announced.

CR20 undertakes its inaugural public project in DRC

The responsibility for these works has been entrusted to China Railway 20th Bureau Group (CR20), a Chinese enterprise renowned for its expertise in infrastructure development. According to Zhang Guoxu, General Manager of China Railway 20th Bureau Group Angola International Company, this represents CR20’s first public works contract executed within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The official affirmed the company’s commitment to deploying all necessary resources to adhere to the project’s stringent timeline and technical specifications. He also highlighted the paramount importance of ensuring the quality of the structures and meticulously managing the environmental impact of the construction. For his part, Daniel Bumba, the Governor, underscored the necessity of strict compliance with technical requirements and the contractual deadlines. The Governor expressed his anticipation that this new infrastructure would swiftly contribute to alleviating traffic conditions in the affected area.

Prior to the symbolic laying of the first stone, President Félix Tshisekedi received a comprehensive presentation detailing the proposed route, the planned layout, and the key structures involved. Visual renderings of the future boulevard were also showcased. The overarching objective is to significantly boost road capacity along this corridor and to streamline travel within a capital city frequently plagued by severe congestion. The Étienne Tshisekedi Boulevard is therefore poised to augment the existing road network by providing a broader and more extensively equipped infrastructure. Its ultimate effectiveness, however, will hinge on the superior quality of its execution, the timely completion as scheduled, and its seamless integration with Kinshasa’s other major traffic arteries. Upon the conclusion of the anticipated twelve months of construction, this new road is expected to be fully incorporated into the capital’s network, with the clear aim of reducing pressure on several routes currently experiencing saturation.