Drivers with restricted authority are driving in the wrong direction, endangering lives and causing traffic jams.
Driving in Kinshasa or what’s left of it is like an urban rodeo. There is chaotic road traffic. Everyone walks in their own way, whether pedestrians, motorbikes or vehicles that cross the city. There is no highway code. You should not believe that you are safe in a priority lane. At any moment, a pedestrian, motorcyclist or vehicle can come out of secondary roads and cut you off without hesitation. Stupor and trembling!
Drivers with limited authority are driving against the flow of traffic, endangering lives and causing traffic jams. In our country, coveted by all neighboring states and China, anyone who feels powerful sees themselves riding in a procession. Vehicles with tinted windows drive without license plates or with veiled plates. Perhaps to escape the gaze of those who live in precariousness. Visibility and driver safety are not guaranteed. Hell and damnation! This explains, the government is leading a campaign to improve traffic.
It is now forbidden to drive in the opposite direction or in double file except for the Head of State, firefighters during rescue operations, ambulances in case of emergency and the police in intervention. Will this decision be respected? As Einstein said, “We must not rely on those who created the problems to solve them.” My friend, who knows what is happening in every nook and cranny of the ruins of Kinshasa, doubts that this campaign could produce the expected effects. Those who break the highway code are often those in power: ministers, general officers, senior magistrates, police chiefs, security service agents, etc. Saperlipopette! Their vehicles travel in processions, sometimes heavily armed, that do not follow road regulations. This can be noticed especially on Avenue Colonel Mondjiba and Boulevard Lumumba.
Before urban roads deteriorated, people with money drove around in sedans. When the road got worse, they switched to a large 4×4 jeep. As the degradation continues, they may be traveling by helicopter or special reserved routes. Sapristi! According to my friend who knows everything, only heads of institutions can claim to travel with processions. They are the President of the Republic, the President of the Senate, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Constitutional Court and the Prime Minister. Anyway, let’s move on!
Hey, the Sumwina government has just completed 100 days. It is a lot of heat, smoke and no light. The Prime Minister is, however, visible, to be heard unlike his predecessor the “Buddha” Sama Lukonde. But it’s like an engine running on empty. During the inauguration of her government on June 12, she promised surprises. The action program of the government that she resolved is structured in six pillars which, in her opinion, are likely to accelerate the economic and social development of the country. These pillars are subdivided into 56 strategic axes and 326 actions, projects and reforms. According to the program, the government will take advantage of existing employment niches to create a total of 6.
4 million jobs by 2028. According to my crazy friend, this means that the government will create 1,280,000 jobs per year, 106,667 jobs per month and 3,555 jobs per day! In 100 days, it would have created 355,500 jobs! We cannot take God’s children like wild ducks.
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Urban Mobility Expert Dr. Amina Mbayo
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Mbayo. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming traffic situation in Kinshasa. It seems the city is quite the urban rodeo! What’s your take on the current driving conditions there?
Dr. Mbayo: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me! Yes, driving in Kinshasa is indeed akin to an unpredictable rodeo. The lack of a functional highway code creates an environment where rules are neither understood nor respected. This leads to dangerous navigation for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Editor: It seems that drivers with restricted authority are contributing significantly to this chaos by driving against the flow of traffic. What implications does this have on public safety?
Dr. Mbayo: The implications are severe. Not only do such actions endanger lives, but they also exacerbate traffic congestion. The sight of vehicles with tinted windows and no license plates can be intimidating, and these drivers often feel above the law, which sets a dangerous precedent. When those in power disregard the rules, it sends a message that the law does not apply equally to everyone.
Editor: You mentioned that the government has initiated a campaign to improve traffic. Given the entrenched behavior of influential figures, do you believe this campaign will yield any positive outcomes?
Dr. Mbayo: While it’s a noble effort, I’m skeptical about its effectiveness. There’s a pervasive culture where high-ranking officials break traffic rules without consequence. As Einstein wisely pointed out, those who created the problem often aren’t the right ones to solve it. If the authorities themselves are part of the issue, enforcement will likely remain weak.
Editor: That’s a valid point. Your friend raised an interesting observation about the mode of transport used by the elite based on the state of the roads. Can you elaborate on this point?
Dr. Mbayo: Absolutely! As roads deteriorate, we see shifts in transportation preferences. Initially, those with wealth favored sedans. As conditions worsened, 4x4s became popular, reflecting a desire for ruggedness and durability. Soon, it might not be surprising if we start seeing helicopters being used for commutes! This highlights not only the degradation of infrastructure but also a disconnection between the elite and the everyday struggles faced by the citizens.
Editor: Speaking of infrastructure, the Sumwina government has recently completed its first 100 days in office. There’s talk of a grand plan with the potential to create millions of jobs. Do you think this initiative could also address traffic issues?
Dr. Mbayo: In theory, yes. Economic development often goes hand-in-hand with improved infrastructure and urban planning. However, to create meaningful impact, the government must demonstrate genuine commitment and accountability. The audacious claim of generating 6.4 million jobs by 2028 sounds ambitious, but without a solid implementation strategy, it risks becoming mere rhetoric.
Editor: With a promise of over a million jobs annually, what metrics should we, as citizens, look for to hold the government accountable?
Dr. Mbayo: Transparency is key! Citizens should demand regular reports on job creation progress and the specific sectors targeted. Data on public works, infrastructure projects, and employment consultation can provide insights into the government’s accountability. It’s also essential for public dialogue on these issues to take place, so citizens can engage and hold their leaders accountable.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mbayo. Your insights into Kinshasa’s urban mobility challenges are invaluable. Is there a final thought you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Mbayo: Yes, let’s remember that the issues we face are interconnected. Improving traffic and ensuring public safety must be part of a broader strategy to foster a more equitable society. We need grassroots movements, engaged citizens, and responsible leadership to turn these challenges into opportunities for the people of Kinshasa.
Editor: Wise words, indeed! Thank you once again, Dr. Mbayo. Your expertise sheds light on these pressing issues, and we look forward to your future insights.
Dr. Mbayo: Thank you, it was a pleasure!
