Since its inauguration in 1983, the Maréchal de Matadi Bridge has not only been crucial for the transportation of people and goods but has also remained a key tourist attraction in Kongo-Central. Despite its age, the bridge is undergoing a rehabilitation process.
After 41 years, the Maréchal Bridge in Matadi will be rehabilitated with Japanese funding. The agreement was signed on Monday between Japan’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC. Japan has allocated $15 million for the rehabilitation of not only the bridge but also the access roads.
A Symbol of Cooperation between Japan and the DRC
The Maréchal Mobutu Bridge, also known as the Mobutu Bridge, is a suspension bridge built over the Congo River in Matadi. It connects the city of Matadi to the Seke-Banza region on the Boma road, facilitating trade between the Cataract and Lower River districts. Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1983. Since its completion, the bridge has been maintained with the support of Japan through the Muz-Kinshasa Equipment Organization (OEBK). However, after the 1991 uprisings in Kinshasa, which led to a period of instability in Zaire, Japan suspended its support and left the responsibility to OEBK. Japan resumed its involvement in the project in 2012 and returned to support the bridge’s rehabilitation, culminating in the recent agreement.
A Monument to Mobutu’s Megalomania
Mobutu Sese Seko, a megalomaniac dictator by profession, sought to build infrastructure that matched his ambitions. The Maréchal Bridge is one of the successful examples of this ambition. At 722 meters long, the Maréchal Bridge remained the largest suspension bridge in Africa until it was overtaken by the Maputo-Catembe Bridge in 2018. Together with the Kongolo Bridge, it is the only bridge spanning the Congo River Basin. The construction of the bridge mobilized Japan’s most advanced technology in suspension bridge engineering at the time. Alongside OEBK engineers, at least 74 Japanese specialists were sent to the site to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Preserving Its Grandeur After 41 Years
Despite being 41 years old, the bridge maintains its grandeur and continues to attract tourists. According to Édouard Samba Nsitu, the Minister of Transportation for Kongo-Central Province, even the collapse of the retaining wall a few weeks ago did not diminish the bridge’s magnificence and durability. However, a recent inspection revealed rust within the cables, leading to the development of a maintenance and management plan incorporating the latest techniques. The rehabilitation of the bridge will further enhance the strength and resilience of an infrastructure that has always been a source of pride for the Congolese people.
