An emergency operation is underway in Kikwit, Kwilu province, after erosion severed the Wazabanga road linking National Road No. 1 (RN1) to the city centre, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works said.

Torrential rains overnight March 24-25, 2026, triggered the damage, the ministry said, adding that the downpours also caused loss of life and extensive damage.

At the president’s request, Infrastructure and Public Works Minister John Banza Lunda travelled to Kikwit on March 25 to assess the situation. He inspected the erosion site in the Nzinda commune before holding an emergency meeting with ministry technical teams.

Following the assessment, authorities decided to begin urgent repair work to stabilise the damaged road, protect infrastructure belonging to the national electricity company (SNEL), and restore access for residents.

Local sources said the affected stretch is a key route for urban traffic and helps ease congestion on RN1. Its disruption is affecting travel and supplies to the city.

The collapse comes amid worsening erosion in Kikwit. In February 2026, the mayor of Nzinda had already warned about a growing ravine in the area, which destroyed several homes and left families in vulnerable conditions, according to the Congolese Press Agency (ACP).

The mayor had also warned that advancing erosion could sever the Wazabanga road.

Boaz Kabeya