During Tuesday’s groundbreaking in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi laid the foundation stone for the Étienne Tshisekedi boulevard, marking the official start of construction. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba attended the ceremony alongside local officials and community leaders. The infrastructure will feature a 2,020-metre main carriageway split into eight lanes—four in each direction—plus a 750-metre two-lane ramp. Additional elements include modern drainage channels, elevated bridges, culverts, and energy-efficient street lighting. The contract stipulates completion within twelve months.

China Railway 20th Bureau Group embarks on first public contract in DRC

The project has been entrusted to China Railway 20th Bureau Group (CR20), a Chinese firm with extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure. Zhang Guoxu, General Manager of CR20 Angola International Company, confirmed that this marks the company’s inaugural public-sector contract in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He emphasised the group’s commitment to meeting strict technical standards, delivering high-quality construction, and minimising environmental impact throughout the 12-month build. Governor Daniel Bumba reiterated the need to adhere to technical specifications and contractual timelines, stressing that the new roadway should swiftly ease chronic traffic bottlenecks in the targeted district.

Before the ceremony, President Tshisekedi reviewed detailed plans, including the boulevard’s proposed layout, cross-sections, and key structures. 3D renderings and scale models gave a clear picture of the finished artery, which is intended to expand road capacity and streamline movement across a capital city plagued by persistent gridlock. Once operational, the Étienne Tshisekedi boulevard will integrate with Kinshasa’s existing network, offering wider lanes, improved safety features, and better connectivity. Success hinges on rigorous project execution, strict adherence to the 12-month schedule, and seamless integration with surrounding traffic flows. Upon completion, the new route aims to relieve pressure on several overburdened corridors and contribute to more fluid urban mobility.