Indeed, it connects DRC with the ports of Bujumbura (Burundi), of Mpulungu (Zambia, South Africa) and especially, of Kigoma (Tanzania), from where most imported products come.

A sandbank is a threat to entering the port. Only a very narrow passage can be used, but at the current rhythm of silting-up, it will be closed within a year. Even if currently the level of the lake is exceptionally high (which makes access to the port easier), it may vary strongly, and reduce, in a very short while, the draught available. Larger boats cannot be loaded to capacity, which increases the cost of transportation and the cost for end consumers. To avoid a complete isolation of the region, the port must be dredged as soon as possible.

In response to this problem, Belgian cooperation released a budget for dredging the port at Kalemie. After a public works contract was unsuccessfully launched (the project being too small for commercial dredgers), four partners formed an association to take things in hands.

Belgian-Congolese Partnership

The project is based on a perfectly balanced partnership: Two partners are military, two are civilian; two are Belgian, the other two Congolese. In this partnership, which is innovative for Belgian cooperation, each adds an own contribution.

From the civilian side, BTC manages the project’s administration, logistics and finances. It puts in, among other things, its expertise in dredging. The Régie des Voies Fluviales (RVF) (Administration of Waterways), a Congolese partner, provides equipment for the project, and its staff members will follow up the works. It will also take care of marking the new access channel.

From the military side, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) will do the works as such, using pontoons supplied by Belgium. Through the Belgian-Congolese Military Partnership Programme, the Belgian army has a mission to train, support and coach the FARDC on the basis of its specific competencies. Moreover, the project used air logistics of the Belgian army for the transport of the equipment.

The 'Port of Kalemie dredging' project started in September 2009 with the purchase of the dredging equipment (pump, generator, force main, bathymetric equipment). In February 2010, the first cubic metres of sand were removed.

The project’s total budget amounts to EUR 450,000 and will last 2 years.

PRESS CONTACT:
Mr Joseph LUVUMBU
Telephone: + 243 (0) 99 93 07 706
E-mail: joseph.luvumbu@btcctb.org

• DR Congo