Congo launches 1.28 billion FCFA Akou-Mbon road rehabilitation
The six-month project covers 69 km of road in the Plateaux department, linking Mbon district to larger markets and services.
The Congolese government is investing 1.28 billion FCFA to rehabilitate the 69 km Akou-Mbon road in the Plateaux department. Minister of Urban Sanitation, Local Development and Road Maintenance Juste Désiré Mondelé launched the works on November 7, with a planned duration of six months. The project aims to ease travel for residents of Mbon, who have faced circulation difficulties for several decades.
Francis Landry Ngueloundou, director general of road maintenance, said the works will make it easier to reach markets, schools and health facilities, and should reduce transport costs and travel times. Producers hope to move foufou, potatoes and safous to large urban centres more easily, since some farm produce currently rots for lack of suitable transport.
Residents used the launch ceremony to raise concerns about the lack of drinking water and electricity. Mondelé pledged to pass these concerns to the competent authorities and assured that the roadworks will be carried out on schedule and to standard.
Why it mattersFarmers in Mbon district who grow foufou, potatoes and safous now face spoilage because of the poor road, and the rehabilitation is meant to get their goods to urban markets.