DRC: in the presence of DP WORLD delegates, Félix Tshisekedi launches the start of construction work on the Deep Water Port of Banana

The date of Monday January 31, 2022 will be marked in gold letters in the annals of the Democratic Republic of Congo in that it is that of the concretization of what was only a dream, a project: the installation of the first stone of the deep water port of Banana.

This kick-off is a strong signal that reflects President Félix Tshisekedi’s desire to respect his commitment to make the erection of the road-rail bridge between Kinshasa and Brazzaville conditional on the construction of the deep-water port of Banana. 

The site intended to house this gigantic work was fitted out and decorated with a master hand for the protocol which went into overdrive to give this ceremony all the required solemnity. 

Upon the arrival of the Head of State on the site at 1:45 p.m., five speakers followed one another on the stage, including the Acting Governor of Kongo-Central, Justin Luemba, who made it his duty to extend a cordial welcome to his distinguished guests before taking stock of his province. He highlighted the fact that thanks to the activity of the port, many direct and indirect jobs will be created. 

The second speech went to the chairman of DP WORLD, the Emirati contracting company, who was delighted with the successful outcome of the steps taken a long time ago. He said he was honored to partner with the Congolese government. He also noted that Banana is on the way to becoming a real sub-regional hub for trade and various exchanges.

As for the Emirati Minister of Foreign Trade, third speaker of the day, he stressed that with this ultramodern port, business relations between the DRC and the United Arab Emirates will go crescendo.

Fourth speaker, the DR Congolese Minister of Transport, Ways of Communication and Opening up Chérubin Okende.
He painted a historical picture revealing the various adventures that have dotted the course of the file of the port of Banana until this grandiose ceremony which crowns the efforts of so many compatriots, some of whom have left us today. He ended by delivering some technical details of the expected performance, such as a one-stop shop, fast processing capacity, fully computerized management…

Fifth speaker: Adèle Kahinda, Minister of State, Minister for the Portfolio. She ended the speeches by noting the political significance of this act which, without a doubt, will be credited to the President of the Republic and which will weigh very heavily in his favor during the next elections.

The highlight of the day was the laying of the first stone by Félix Tshisekedi who finally joined the action to the word. A promise that has just come true, but also one of the results of his many trips around the world.