In Kinshasa, Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki has unveiled the “Waterfront” project, an initiative backed by the World Bank aimed at transforming the banks of the Congo River into safe and attractive spaces, with a focus on tourism and urban river transport. On February 21, 2026, provincial authorities and the Riverways Authority (Régie des Voies Fluviales, RVF) conducted an exploratory mission to prepare the necessary technical and environmental studies for the project.
The river inspection, led by the City’s Executive Secretary, involved key officials, including Mr. Tom Kisenda, Coordinator of the Urban Development Unit, and Me Daniel Lwaboshi, Director General of the RVF. According to participants, this exploratory mission will serve as the foundation for the technical and environmental assessments essential for the phased implementation of the project, which is expected to be carried out in the coming years with the support of the World Bank.
While officially presented as an urban initiative capable of securing the riverbanks, ensuring site viability, and promoting tourism, the project has already sparked strong reactions among the public and Congolese elites. Critics highlight a gap between the priority of modernizing the riverfront and the urgent needs of the metropolis. “Where are the social housing projects? The ONL is dead, a city of over 16 million without public housing doesn’t exist,” noted one online commentator, reflecting public concern over the housing crisis. Others recall similar unfinished projects or warn of the risk that funds intended for river development could be misappropriated.
The socio-urban implications of the project are also fueling debate. Many residents worry about the impact on traffic and mobility in the city: “And what about the traffic jams, what do we do?” asked a Kinshasa resident. Some suggest learning from international experiences, such as the Cape Town Waterfront in South Africa, to avoid the pitfalls of local developments that were never completed.
Environmental concerns, although little detailed in official communications, appear crucial. The banks of the Congo River, already exposed to pollution, unplanned urbanization, and flood risks, require careful planning to balance tourism development, security, and ecological protection. Experts consulted emphasize that any project of this scale must include sustainable management measures for river ecosystems, lest it further endanger riverside populations.
Despite skepticism, some stakeholders view “Waterfront” as an opportunity for modernization and the attraction of international investment. “Here is the project; we must support what we want for the country’s development,” commented one observer, reflecting hope that structuring projects could stimulate the economy and enhance one of Central Africa’s major rivers.
The “Waterfront” project thus sits at the intersection of multiple challenges: urbanization, security, mobility, tourism, and ecological preservation. Its success will depend as much on the rigor of technical and environmental studies as on the authorities’ ability to reconcile political ambitions, the essential needs of residents, and the sustainable protection of the Congo River—a strategic resource for both the city and the country.
By Kilalopress