Freddy Shembo Vows Stringent Oversight for SICOMINES Infrastructure Projects
Freddy Yodi Shembo, Director General of the Collaboration Agreement Steering, Coordination, and Monitoring Agency (APCSC), assures rigorous supervision of infrastructure projects linked to the renegotiated Chinese contract in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Following the signing of Amendment No. 5 to the Sino-Congolese “mines against infrastructure” Convention, Shembo pledges meticulous monitoring to ensure quality and transparency in project execution.
He emphasizes the APCSC’s commitment to diligent oversight, leveraging agencies like the Major Works Agency (ACGT) and the Technical Control Office (BTC) for effective scrutiny. Shembo underscores the importance of active supervision, stating that “people only respect what they inspect.”
With the amended contract securing $7 billion for infrastructure, compared to the initial $3 billion, Shembo reaffirms alignment with the President’s vision.
Since the inception of the Sino-Congolese convention, $1.5 billion has been allocated to infrastructure projects. The renegotiated SICOMINES contract aims to ensure uninterrupted project execution, with annual funding of $324 million earmarked for infrastructure.
Established in March 2022, the APCSC plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration agreements exceeding a billion US dollars. Shembo emphasizes the agency’s role in preventing agreements from becoming “dead letters” by ensuring adherence.
The DRC faces significant infrastructure needs, with plans to support 5,000 km of roads under the renegotiated SICOMINES contract. With an asphalt coverage of nearly 5% on national roads, addressing infrastructure challenges remains a priority for the country.
