20 Oct, 2019 Xinhua
At least 24 people were killed in a traffic accident near Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said local officials. Didier Nsimba, administrator of Mbanza-Ngungu territory, said that the accident is due to a failure of the braking system of the bus loaded with goods and passengers.
Buses is old, overcrowded and lack of maintenance
Weak Infrastructure
19 Jun, 2019 phys.org
Daily travel in Kinshasa may well have the best claim on World’s Worst Commuter Nightmare. In a mega-hub of 13 million, the ride to work is a battle with choked, pot-holed streets and jam-packed buses, yellow taxis and motorbikes, to the backdrop of blaring horns, pollution, hawkers and accidents.
Transportation is the backbone of urban development
For many researches said, transportation is an indicator of urban infrastructure. Studies have shown that cities with the most traffic problem tend to be concentrated in regions where private vehicles are commonly used.
Due to the fast growing population in Kinshasa, public transportation including buses will undoubtedly play an important role in determining future development.
Corruption
Africa is perceived as the most corrupt region in the world. Corruption remains the most daunting challenge to good governance, sustainable economic growth, peace, stability and development in Africa. Resources for development are unduly diverted into private hands.
A sustainable development goals from UN
UN is present on the ground supporting economy development of Africa. To advance its support for Africa further, the United Nations Office on Africa was established in 2003 to enhance international support for African development and security and to improve coordination of UN system support.
One of the UN’s goals : Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Kinshasa, Africa’s third-largest urban area, is suffering from transportation and environment degradation. For the future development, sustainable transportation plays an important role.
Business opportunity
An underdeveloped transport infrastructure create numerous safety concerns.
With all these old buses, it’s hard to finance an expensive AFC system. From the experienced of other countries, overcharged, corruption, improper financial management can be improved by introducing AFC system. A good business model and an affordable AFC system can make Kinshasa possible for urbanization. And it is definitely the top ranking development aspect from the UN.
The writer is a frequency traveler. Learn more: autofare.net.
