DRC: The government reaffirms the ban on wooden barges from November 15th

Kinshasa, October 8^th, 2026 (CPA) – The Vice-Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Communications and Accessibility has reaffirmed the ban, effective from November 15^th, 2026, on the navigation of wooden barges on the waterways of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), during a meeting with ship-owners, members of the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC), according to a press release consulted on Thursday by CPA. “So the decision is effectively in place from yesterday, and I would really like to tell you that those who think this is a joke will be surprised. There will be no more wooden whaling boats on the water from November 15^th,” Jean-Pierre Bemba has declared, cited by the source. “There will be no moratorium. We must now prepare to change the way we navigate and end the use of these wooden vessels,” he has emphasised. He has called on operators in the sector to begin, without delay, the conversion of their fleets, in particular through the acquisition or construction of metal barges that meet the required safety standards. “We will provide you with the plans and a list of necessary equipment to build these barges. Everyone must be able to start working right away,” Jean-Pierre Bemba has indicated. As part of this transition, the government also intends to facilitate ship-owners access to funding mechanisms designed to support the acquisition or construction of new vessels. The press release has announced that the aim is to improve maritime safety whilst avoiding disruption to the transport of passengers and goods. To this end, the government has planned the acquisition of around a hundred barges, which are expected to supplement the vessels operated by the National Transport Office (ONATRA). “The State will also fulfil its responsibilities. We are planning the acquisition of around a hundred barges, which will reinforce the ONATRA fleet and ensure the continuity of transport services,” the Vice-Prime Minister has specified. This measure comes at a time when river and lake transport constitutes an essential means of moving people and goods in several provinces of DRC, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by land. Through this reform, the government intends to improve the safety of passengers and crews, gradually modernise the national fleet and reduce the risks associated with the use of wooden vessels.ACP/