The rehabilitation of National Road No. 1 between Kamwesha, Mbulungu and Kananga has reached a new construction milestone, with project officials reporting 43 kilometres of final asphalt, 46 kilometres of base layer and about 800 direct jobs.
KANANGA - September 21, 2026 - Work on the RN1 corridor linking Kasai and Kasai Central has recorded new progress, with the project steering committee reporting 43 kilometres of final asphalt completed on the Kamwesha-Mbulungu section.
The latest figures were presented during the third session of the project's steering committee in Kananga, as officials reviewed construction progress, remaining obstacles and the timetable for completing the strategic road connection.
According to LePoint.cd, the first lot has also reached 46 kilometres of base layer, while approximately 800 direct jobs have been mobilized through the wider project.
Congo Guardian separately reported the same construction milestones following the steering committee meeting.
43 kilometres of final asphalt
The reported 43 kilometres represent sections that have reached the final asphalt stage, while the 46-kilometre base-layer figure indicates additional sections progressing through earlier stages of road construction.
The figures provide a measurable snapshot of work on the Kamwesha-Mbulungu-Kananga axis, an important section of RN1 connecting Tshikapa and Kananga.
The project is intended to improve the reliability of road transport between Kasai and Kasai Central, where poor road conditions have historically complicated the movement of passengers and merchandise.
The entire corridor is not yet complete. Construction remains active on several sections.
INFRASTRUCTURE
RN1 Project Delivers 43 Km of Asphalt and 800 Jobs in Grand Kasaï
Sep 21, 2026
Sep 21, 2026
4 min read

Published
Updated:
The rehabilitation of National Road No. 1 between Kamwesha, Mbulungu and Kananga has reached a new construction milestone, with project officials reporting 43 kilometres of final asphalt, 46 kilometres of base layer and about 800 direct jobs.
KANANGA - September 21, 2026 - Work on the RN1 corridor linking Kasai and Kasai Central has recorded new progress, with the project steering committee reporting 43 kilometres of final asphalt completed on the Kamwesha-Mbulungu section.
The latest figures were presented during the third session of the project's steering committee in Kananga, as officials reviewed construction progress, remaining obstacles and the timetable for completing the strategic road connection.
According to LePoint.cd, the first lot has also reached 46 kilometres of base layer, while approximately 800 direct jobs have been mobilized through the wider project.
Congo Guardian separately reported the same construction milestones following the steering committee meeting.
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43 kilometres of final asphalt
The reported 43 kilometres represent sections that have reached the final asphalt stage, while the 46-kilometre base-layer figure indicates additional sections progressing through earlier stages of road construction.
The figures provide a measurable snapshot of work on the Kamwesha-Mbulungu-Kananga axis, an important section of RN1 connecting Tshikapa and Kananga.
The project is intended to improve the reliability of road transport between Kasai and Kasai Central, where poor road conditions have historically complicated the movement of passengers and merchandise.
The entire corridor is not yet complete. Construction remains active on several sections.
About 800 direct jobs mobilized
Beyond the physical road works, project officials say the construction program has generated approximately 800 direct jobs.
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The employment figure adds a local economic dimension to the infrastructure project, with workers involved across construction and related activities.
The figure refers to direct employment mobilized by the project and should not be interpreted as a permanent employment total after construction is completed.
Kaluebo bridge enters service
Another major milestone is the commissioning of the Kaluebo bridge, which has entered service as part of improvements along the corridor.
The bridge is an important link between Kasai and Kasai Central and is intended to improve continuity of traffic along the Tshikapa-Kananga route.
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Its opening complements the ongoing paving work and reduces one of the infrastructure constraints affecting movement along the road.
Government reviews deadlines and construction risks
The latest steering committee session was also used to examine obstacles that could affect the project's schedule.
According to Congo Guardian, officials discussed efforts to secure deadlines and accelerate work on the Kamwesha-Mbulungu-Kananga corridor.
Among the risks identified in reporting on the project are fuel supply difficulties, customs-related delays, geotechnical challenges and the rainy season.
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