The second phase of construction and rehabilitation work on Route Nationale 12 (RN12) in the Kongo Central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has begun. Mining company Sino-Congolaise recently announced the launch. According to local media, the project, valued at $47 million, is carried out by Société d'infrastructures Sino-Congolaise (SISC). 

"The only access road to Tshela territory via the RN1, it crosses Lukula and passes through Manterne, a settlement between Matadi and Boma. The same road links Tshela to Seke-Banza and reaches Mbanza Ngungu via Luozi," Sicomines posted on X. While specific details concerning the project are yet to be released, phase I and II, combined, span 120 km.

Sicomines often support road infrastructure development, in line with its mining permit obligations. These obligations, revised in 2024, require the construction of various infrastructures, including roads, schools, health centers, and projects related to energy, environment, water access, and agriculture. 

The company has completed or initiated several projects, including stadiums and agricultural warehouses. However, details on project selection and progress are poorly documented.

According to the new contract between the Congolese government and Sicomines, roadworks worth $624 million were scheduled for 2024, with an annual commitment of approximately $324 million from 2025 to 2040. The government's priority investment program also includes $714 million for various road projects, though it is unclear if this amount is additional or part of the expected royalties from Sicomines.

Sicomines is owned 68% by a Chinese consortium (Crec, Sinohydro, Zhejiang Huayou) and 32% by the Congolese state through Gécamines.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho