Infrastructure drives China-DRC cooperation

The Kamina-Kabongo and Kabondo-Dianda-Mukwende Road Rehabilitation Projects in Haut-Lomami Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo have recently passed the provisional acceptance criteria after on-site inspection and evaluation by the provisional acceptance committee of the DRC.

This is the 35th project that the China Railway Resources Group has completed on schedule to implement "the package of cooperation agreements on resource fiscalization" between China and the DRC.

The DRC is rich in mineral, forest and hydraulic resources but lacks funds and technology so it has urgent needs for infrastructure reconstruction and economic development.

In recent years, China Railway Resources Group has actively implemented the Belt and Road Initiative, advanced the "the package of cooperation Sino-Congolese agreements on resource fiscalization" and strengthened local infrastructures construction.

Up to now, 43 infrastructure projects have been signed with a cumulative investment of over $1 billion, covering more than 10 provinces of the DRC. These projects include road plans up to 480 kilometers, Centennial Hospital in Kinshasa, and the Esplanade of the People's Palace.

The Busanga Hydropower Station in the package is considered as the largest infrastructure project being built in the DRC and as the "flagship project" conforming to the development vision of the country. When four generating units of Busanga Station are put into operation by the end of 2021, its average annual power generation capacity is expected to reach 1.32 billion kWh, accounting for about one-tenth of the national electricity consumption of the DRC, which will not only make up for the shortage of electricity but also promote local industry, social development and the mining production capacity of the DRC.

Enterprises belonging to China Railway Resources Group in the DRC have signed a Corporate Social Responsibility Statement with the surrounding communities. Among them, SICOMINES has committed to investing nearly $11.6 million in the next five years in the local communities in roads construction, power supply, education, medical care, environment, water supply, agriculture, etc.