Kinshasa, August 25th, 2026 (CPA). – The technical and operational capabilities of the Congolese Control Office (OCC) laboratory in Muanda (in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) have been assessed on Monday by the General Director of this public body, according to a press release consulted on Tuesday by CPA. “The General Director of the OCC, Pierre Lohohola, has assessed the technical capabilities and operations of the laboratory in order to gain an understanding of the main constraints facing this strategic infrastructure,” it is read. The source has specified that Mr Lohohola has called on the provincial authorities of the organization to strengthen the border controls, by implementing the necessary improvements in order to combat fraud, safeguard State revenue and strengthen the OCC’s authority. Discussing the organization’s future prospects, he has announced several measures designed to strengthen its operational capabilities. In particular, the OCC’s General Director has explained that the Government plans to install smart meters at Perenco’s oil facilities, both onshore and offshore, which the OCC has been mandated to manage, it is read in the document. Mr Lohohola has also announced the acquisition of a new patrol vessel for offshore operations, as well as the replacement of laboratory equipment to enhance its testing capabilities. “These initiatives are also part of the plan for the gradual commissioning of the port of Banana, with the first phase due to be completed in 2027. In view of the expected increase in activity, the Muanda laboratory, which until now has focused mainly on the analysis of petroleum products, is set to evolve into a general laboratory, with capabilities in physico-chemical analysis, food products and microbiology,” the source has explained.
The agents called upon to protect the national economy in Boma
The document has also indicated that, as part of his mission to Kongo Central, the General Director of the OCC has called on officials to protect the national economy through a rigorous and professional control system by combating fraud, collusion and all forms of duplicity. “You must demonstrate the fundamental values that characterize every OCC inspector, namely authority, integrity and courage,” has specified Mr Lohohola, as quoted by the source. With this in mind, he has announced the strengthening of the office’s operational capabilities, notably through the training of new inspectors who will be granted the powers of the Judicial Police Officers (OPJ). The General Director of the OCC has been in Kongo Central province since last week as part of a mission that began in Matadi, where he has urged consumers to prioritize products certified locally by the Congolese Development Standard (NCD). ACP/