Urbanization is accelerating in Kongo Central. Matadi, Boma, Kisantu, and other secondary cities are experiencing rapid population growth due to demographic expansion and rural exodus. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the province of Kongo Central had approximately 6 million inhabitants in 2021, with an urban growth rate estimated at 4.1% per year. At this rate, some cities will double in size within the next 20 years.
Congested roads, unregulated housing, overstretched public services—if nothing is done, these urban centers risk becoming hubs of disorder and inefficiency. However, solutions exist to structure this expansion and prevent urbanization from turning into a nightmare.
Unregulated Urbanization Threatens City Stability
In many cities in Kongo Central, urbanization occurs without a proper development plan. In 2023, nearly 65% of new constructions in the province were built without official permits, according to the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing. Land pressure forces residents to build wherever they find available space, often without following regulations.
The consequences are alarming:
In Matadi, 40% of roads remain unpaved, making traffic unbearable during the rainy season.
In Boma, the overloaded water supply system means that only 35% of households have regular access to potable water.
In Kisantu, urban expansion consumes nearly 1,500 hectares of agricultural land each year, threatening local food production.
Matadi, the provincial capital and the country’s main port, is a striking example of this uncontrolled expansion. Despite its strategic role, the city struggles to absorb the influx of new residents. Road traffic has increased by 25% in five years, worsening congestion and CO₂ emissions.
A Development Plan or Urban Chaos?
Faced with this urgent situation, experts are calling for strict urban planning. In 2021, a Master Urban Plan was introduced in Matadi to structure the city’s growth. The plan includes:
A green belt to limit uncontrolled urban sprawl.
A balanced distribution of land use, with 55% for residential areas, 15% for roads, 20% for public facilities, and 10% for green spaces.
A structured road network to improve mobility and connect neighborhoods efficiently.
This model could be expanded to other cities such as Boma, the second-largest city in Kongo Central with approximately 400,000 residents, which faces similar issues: informal urbanization, outdated infrastructure, and overburdened public services.
Residents Must Be at the Heart of the Solution
However, simply drafting plans on paper is not enough. For the transition to better-organized cities to succeed, local populations must be actively involved. Urban planning cannot be imposed from the top down without considering the realities on the ground.
In Kisantu, a city known for its agricultural and tourism potential, participatory planning is gaining traction. A 2023 survey found that 72% of residents are willing to comply with urban regulations if they are explained and applied fairly.
Strengthening Local Institutions Is Essential
Urban management cannot succeed without strong and competent local institutions. Yet, in many secondary cities, municipal administrations lack resources and skilled personnel to regulate urban growth.
Some key figures highlight these challenges:
In 2022, only 18% of municipalities in Kongo Central had a functional urban planning department.
The budget allocated to urban planning represents less than 0.5% of the total provincial government budget.
There is, on average, one municipal officer for every 15,000 residents, making urban development control nearly impossible.
Key priorities should include:
Training municipal officials to better manage land allocation and enforce zoning laws.
Increasing local budgets to finance essential infrastructure.
Establishing specialized agencies capable of guiding urban expansion with a long-term vision.
Smart and Sustainable Cities: A Real Possibility
Beyond urban plans and infrastructure, Kongo Central’s urbanization must also be eco-friendly and sustainable. Excessive concrete development and the destruction of green spaces will only worsen climate and environmental problems.
With a smart approach, Matadi, Boma, and Kisantu could become models of resilient cities by incorporating:
Eco-friendly buildings, designed to use less energy and water.
Modern public transport systems, to reduce congestion and pollution.
Effective waste management, as currently, only 1 in 3 residents has access to a proper garbage collection system.
Time Is Running Out!
The expansion of secondary cities in Kongo Central is inevitable. By 2050, the province could have more than 10 million inhabitants, further straining existing infrastructure.
If authorities delay implementing effective urban planning strategies, these cities will face chaotic, costly, and irreversible development problems.
Urban planning is not just about constructing roads and buildings. It is about shaping a vision for society, creating a livable environment for future generations. Kinshasa has already lost control over its urban sprawl. Kongo Central must learn from this and act now before it is too late.
