Kinshasa, August 27th, 2026 (CPA). – The Minister in charge of Infrastructure and Public Works has launched a series of key construction projects on Thursday in Matadi, the provincial chief town of Kongo Central, in the north-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as part of the second phase of his infrastructure tour, according to a statement from the ministry. “The Minister in charge of Infrastructure, John Banza, set the tone by launching a series of key construction projects in the provincial capital of Kongo Central, as part of the second phase of his infrastructure tour along the strategic Banana–Kinshasa route,” it is read. According to the source, these works involve, on the one hand, the modernization of airport infrastructure – namely, the rehabilitation of the 3.6 km access road to the airport and the runway, as well as the construction of a VIP lounge within the terminal – and, on the other hand, the revival of historic sports projects that had been abandoned.
In addition to his visit to the airport, Minister Banza has visited the construction site of the Lumumba Stadium in Matadi, where he has noticed a halt in work, whilst reassuring the provincial government that work would resume. “These works, which began 15 years ago, will be fully completed so that our young people can be supported in good conditions,” has declared Minister Banza, as quoted in the source. The press release has specified that a sum estimated at USD 1,290,000 has been disbursed by the provincial government, out of a total of USD 2,600,000, and that Minister Banza is committed to doing everything possible to settle the remaining payment. The press release has also reported that Grace Bilolo, Governor of Kongo Central, has sought support from the central government on the issues of local development. This visit to Matadi forms part of a wider drive to improve access to and modernize the province. After inspecting construction sites in Muanda, Boma and Lukula, the ministerial delegation will continue on to Tumba and Mbanza-Ngungu, where work will begin on upgrading the access roads to two major local schools.ACP/