Kinshasa, August 11th, 2026 (ACP).- President Felix Tshisekedi has proceeded on Tuesday in the launching of the construction works of the “Etienne Tshisekedi” Boulevard, which is set to link the municipalities of Lingwala and Bandalungwa, passing through the Lieutenant-Colonel Kokolo camp, to improve traffic flow in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Mr President of the Republic, the project you are launching today is a concrete expression of your ambition to build a modern, efficient, attractive and competitive capital, in line with your vision for DRC. The Doctor Etienne Tshisekedi Boulevard, 2,020 metres long, will extend the Triomphal Boulevard, which will run all the way to Bakayau Square, passing through the Kokolo military camp,” has declared Daniel Bumba, Governor of the City of Kinshasa, in his welcome address. According to him, this infrastructure will form a strategic axis linking the city centre to several municipalities and will sustainably improve the urban mobility. “This infrastructure will comprise eight traffic lanes, well-designed pavements, a modern rainwater drainage system, an efficient street lighting, a comprehensive signage system, and green spaces. The project also provides for the construction of a truss bridge over the Basoko River, an access road to the Ministry in charge of Defence, and a river drainage channel,” has indicated the head of the provincial executive. He has paid due tribute to this initiative of President Tshisekedi, which constitutes a fitting way to honour one of DRC’s former prime ministers and president of the ruling party, the ‘Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS)’, the late Etienne Tshisekedi. “By naming this road the name of Doctor Etienne Tshisekedi Boulevard, Kinshasa is paying a well-deserved tribute to one of the greatest figures in its history. His struggle for democracy, freedom and the rule of law remains a precious legacy that will continue to inspire present and future generations,” has explained Governor Bumba.
A symbol of a capital city undergoing modernisation
The provincial executive authority has, on this occasion, demonstrated that the launching of these works is evidence of the positive progress being made in the city’s modernisation, a symbol of a capital city undergoing a transformation. “Mr President of the Republic, the construction project you are launching today is much more than a road project; it symbolises a capital city that is moving forward, a Republic that is being built, and a people who believe in their future,” he has said. He has, to this end, made a commitment on behalf of the Town Hall to manage this project with discipline, transparency and efficiency, in order to provide the people of Kinshasa with infrastructure that lives up to their expectations and the ambitions of our nation. “This road will reduce traffic jams, will facilitate the movement of people and goods, will improve access to several neighbourhoods, will boost economic activity and will support the harmonious expansion of our capital. It forms part of a wide-ranging programme to link up Kinshasa’s major road networks, designed to pull municipalities together, to boost mobility and to improve the living conditions of the people of Kinshasa in a sustainable manner,” has specified Daniel Bumba, assuring that his administration would rigorously oversee the works. “Thus, this road will not only connect neighbourhoods; it will also honour the memory of a man who has dedicated his life in the service of the Republic. I would like to praise the CR 20 Group, which will carry out this important project. The provincial government will ensure, with the utmost rigour, that technical standards, deadlines and quality requirements are met so that this infrastructure is delivered in the best possible condition,” he has explained. The heads of local authorities, the members of the UDPS, representatives from the Chinese side and the delegates from the provincial Ministry in charge of Public Infrastructure have attended this ceremony. ACP/