Kinshasa, July 10th, 2025 (CPA).- A call for citizens to take ownership of road infrastructure under construction in Matete, a municipality in the center of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was launched on Thursday during an interview with the CPA, to the inhabitants of this municipality.
‘Our municipality of Matete is undergoing a transformation thanks to the rehabilitation and construction of its roads. However, we are calling on the population to raise awareness and take ownership of this vital infrastructure,’ said Jules Mukumbi, mayor of Matete. ‘Alerted by uncivil behavior, I made a tour of several construction sites. Unfortunately, I noticed that some residents were already using the newly paved concrete roads, deliberately ignoring the drying times essential for the strength and durability of the structure,’ he added. Mr Mukumbi also insisted on the need to remind all users of their obligation not to abandon their vehicles on these still fragile roads. He also banned motorcyclists from using them until the concrete had reached its full strength.
‘Compliance with these instructions is crucial to ensure the longevity of these investments,’ he stressed. The mayor of Matete also deplored the behavior of vendors on the outskirts of the Baboma neighborhood who have begun to invade the newly built roads. In his opinion, this constitutes a flagrant lack of civic-mindedness. ‘Where is the sense of collective responsibility and respect for public property?’ he asked. ‘Despite these challenges, there is still room for hope,’ continued the municipal authority, before pointing out that the construction of this road infrastructure is part of an ambitious project called ‘Kin Elenda,’ which aims to modernize the roads in Kinshasa.