2023-04-17 14:34:50
By Honorine Matondo , University professor and political analyst
When in April 2008, the DRC and the Grouping of Chinese Companies concluded an agreement on the exchange of infrastructure projects for mining, the Congolese side is a post-conflict country which, moreover, has just come out of its very first democratic elections since its independence. The Government, which is looking for partnerships to finance its program, finds this partnership a real boon to implement this program.
This win-win partnership, better known as the “Chinese contract”, is all the more advantageous since it has been approved by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. In addition, Chinese companies are undoubtedly bringing capital and technology to the DRC, as a sign of goodwill in favor of this partnership in order to immediately finance the Infrastructure Project and the Mining Project and to promote the implementation of these projects. And the collaboration agreement is accompanied by a list of infrastructures which translates the legitimate ambition of the DRC to acquire the means capable of boosting its development.
Today, fourteen years later, it is time to assess the implementation of the convention itself as well as the achievements it has produced, especially for the Congolese side. At this stage, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this evaluation, but on the ground, the achievements provide the information needed to establish, at its fair value, the judgment of what the contribution will have been. of the Chinese contract in the transformation of the daily life of the Congolese.
But well before arriving at the evaluation of this contribution in infrastructure, an objective look should be cast on the contribution of which the Chinese contract has been in the valuation of the Congolese mining assets on the operating sites of Sicomines which , in fact, is a company under Congolese law with Sino-Congolese capital. The deposits were fled under 134 and 169 meters of water depths that had to be pumped, which was done. Indeed, during the launch of mining production, Chinese companies had to overcome many difficulties such as insufficient electricity, lack of materials, transport difficulties, etc. Especially at this time, both mines were flooded with water from a depth of 134 meters and 169 meters. Therefore, 120 million cubic meters of water had to be drained to create the preconditions for production.
Since then, thanks to the efforts of the Sicomines joint venture, the DRC can be proud to have a mining company with the highest level of automation and modernization, not to mention the best working conditions. Sicomines also justifies production technologies that respect the environment, all this to contribute significantly to the modernization and upgrading of the Congolese mining sector.
This upgrade has recently been strengthened with the commissioning of the Busanga hydroelectric power plant, the first major energy infrastructure project in Greater Katanga for more than 60 years and which produces one tenth of all annual electricity. of the DRC. This plant is a major asset which, in the medium term, will promote sustainable regional economic development and improve the lives of the population.
On socio-economic infrastructure proper, a total of 43 projects were carried out with Sicomines financing. Among them are urban roads that have transformed the face of several Congolese cities. Starting with the capital Kinshasa and, mainly, the boulevard du 30 Juin, its central artery. Several other roads of provincial and national interest were affected by the work financed by the Chinese contract.
The same is true of social infrastructure, including hospitals such as that of the fiftieth anniversary in Kinshasa, which offers a medical platform that has nothing to envy to those who keep Congolese people running in India, China and elsewhere around the world. In addition, in order to increase the capacity of Regideso to produce drinking water in Kamina and to reduce the rate of illnesses due to the use of non-potable water in Kamina, SICOMINES financed the Construction Project of the Water Collection and Treatment Unit. This project is in the process of provisional acceptance.
On the other hand, Congolese sports youth derives one of the best benefits from this partnership with four stadiums across the country, three of which (Goma, Kalemie and Bunia) have already been handed over to the Congolese State for pre-reception.
Overall, it can be said that with these infrastructure projects, the Chinese contract, through Sicomines, has boosted the economic development of around ten Congolese provinces. And the prospects for the future look brighter, especially with the new terms of collaboration that may result from the ongoing consultations.
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