Africa Insight
Mukoko Samba Outlines Sankuru River Dredging and Basic-Services Push

Economy - 2 August 2026

Mukoko Samba Outlines Sankuru River Dredging and Basic-Services Push

By Jean-Marc Okito2 min read

Kinshasa, DRC, August 2, 2026 - Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba delivered a comprehensive briefing to Sankuru MPs and local notables at the Cercle de Kinshasa following a six-day provincial mission. The focus of the meeting was on critical infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing the region's economic potential. Key priorities outlined by Mukoko Samba included the dredging and marking of the Sankuru, Lokenye, and Lubi rivers to restore navigability and enhance trade routes around Lusambo. This initiative is expected to significantly improve transportation and commerce in the area.

The briefing was attended by prominent figures such as Léonard She Okitundu Lundula and Charles Okoto Lolakombe, who expressed support for the proposed projects. Mukoko Samba emphasized the urgency of completing unfinished water and electricity projects, which are essential for unlocking the province's economic capabilities. The discussions followed a working session held in Kinshasa on June 8 and the commencement of the field mission on June 14, indicating a structured approach to addressing the region's infrastructural deficits.

The government's commitment to these initiatives reflects a broader strategy to enhance provincial development and improve living standards for residents. By prioritizing the dredging of rivers and the completion of essential services, the administration aims to foster a more conducive environment for trade and investment in Sankuru. The successful implementation of these projects could serve as a model for similar efforts in other provinces facing infrastructural challenges.

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