Senator Bamanisa Tables Framework Bill on Public Works

Kinshasa, DRC, August 3, 2026 - Senator Jean Bamanisa Saïdi has submitted a comprehensive framework bill to the Senate aimed at reforming public works in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The bill, transmitted to the Senate president on July 20, outlines essential principles for the planning, financing, construction, maintenance, and oversight of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railways, ports, and airports.

The proposed legislation emphasizes the establishment of a national georeferenced database to enhance transparency and efficiency in public works projects. It also introduces mechanisms for ensuring project completion and includes decennial guarantees to maintain infrastructure quality over time. Additionally, the bill seeks to address financial accountability by proposing a national unit-cost referential to combat overbilling practices identified by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and the Court of Accounts.

To enforce compliance, the framework stipulates fines starting at 50 million Congolese Francs for violations, reinforcing the government's commitment to upholding standards in public works. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not replace existing sector laws, ensuring that current regulations remain in effect while providing a structured approach to future infrastructure development. The introduction of this bill marks a significant step towards improving the management and oversight of public works in the DRC.