China-Africa: Kabila wants Congo to become “China of Africa”
TWO ships containing 702 tonnes of construction equipment from China and Belgium are expected to be offloaded at the Dar es Salaam port, and then be transported by road to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
An official from the DRC President’s office, Mr Kazimil Kamba Wakambala told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam on Thursday that the equipment includes tractors, tippers, and some agricultural equipment.
Mr Wakambala said that they had expected that they would receive the goods on Wednesday, but it was not possible due to ship congestion at the port. He said that the idea of ordering such equipment was put forth by DRC President Joseph Kabila who wants to revolutionise the country by improving agriculture and infrastructures.
“The president wants to reconstruct DRC to be like China, he wants the country to be identified as China of Africa,” Mr Wakambala explained.
He added that the equipment were mainly focused on the reconstruction of roads and improvement of agriculture in provinces of Katanga, Kasai, Eastern Manyema, Eastern Kivu, Western Kivu and Kisangani.
A 10-people delegation sent by President Kabila to Dar es Salaam to receive the consignment include five officials from the president’s office, one from Congo Road agency identified as (Office’ de Route),one from Congo Revenue Authority (OFIDA) and three journalists.
Mr Wakambala said there would be a short ceremony of receiving the equipment to be held at the port, the function which will also be attended by the DRC Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Juma Alfani Mpango.
(Habalileo)