Lualaba: Kolwezi Urban Toll Divides Economic Operators

Initially scheduled to come into force on May 25, 2026, the implementation of the urban toll on several strategic roads in Kolwezi has finally been postponed to June 1. The announcement was made by the city’s mayor, Maître Jacques Masengo Kindele, during a meeting with economic operators held at City Hall.

This reform is part of Urban Decree No. 2026/002/VK/BM of January 27, 2026, establishing the organization and procedures for collecting the urban toll tax on bridges and roads of urban interest.

Local authorities explain that the measure aims to support the modernization of road infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion in a city facing strong traffic growth linked to mining and commercial activity.

Strategic Roads Concerned

Several collection points have been identified across the city. These include Avenue du Cimetière Sapin, the Lac Golf–Musonoie–Kapata route, Avenue Chemin Public in the Biashara district, the UCK exit toward National Road 39, and the ISTM post.

In this first phase, the tax mainly targets company vehicles carrying goods weighing between 10 and 60 tonnes. The amount to be paid varies according to the vehicle’s tonnage, ranging from 10 to 100 US dollars. Authorities specify that payment will be made only once per day.

According to the urban executive, this new tax should help mobilize more resources for the maintenance of urban roads heavily used by heavy trucks operating in the mining and logistics sectors.

Between Adaptation and Concern

Despite the explanations provided by the authorities, several economic operators expressed concerns about this new fiscal burden. Many believe that the initial deadline given to comply with the measure was insufficient.

In response to these concerns, the mayor of Kolwezi agreed to postpone the measure to June 1, 2026, giving companies a few additional days to adapt to the new requirements.

A Test for Urban Governance

Beyond the fiscal debate, this reform represents a real test for urban governance in a city undergoing rapid economic expansion. Kolwezi, now one of the country’s main mining centers, is facing growing pressure on its road infrastructure.

For the authorities, the urban toll represents an essential financing tool to support the city’s development. For economic operators, the challenge is to ensure transparent and balanced implementation of the tax, without further increasing the cost of economic activities already facing several administrative and logistical constraints.

Héritier Maila / DRC-NEWS

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