Three weeks after the collapse of the Lubi bridge, thrown over the river of the same name, in Kena Kuna in the territory of Kabeya Kamuanga (Kasaï-Oriental), users of the bridge cross the river by canoe, to join the two banks.
However, this crossing causes additional expenses for users obliged to pay fees to canoeists for themselves and their goods, noted Wednesday, June 19, the Radio Okapi reporter.
On either side of each bank, in front of the canoes, discussions take place between the canoeists and the passengers. These discussions revolve around fees to be paid for the transport of goods and people.
To avoid lengthy discussions, a special committee was created.
He set the crossing prices for people and goods. But only merchants are subject to paying these fees. Students, civil servants, farmers and law enforcement officers cross free of charge on the orders of the interim administrator of the Kabeya Kamuanga territory.
“ A passenger with a motorcycle pays 6000 Congolese francs (2USD), a single passenger pays 500 Congolese francs (0.17 USD), the bicycle pays 2500 Congolese francs (0.9 USD) », Explains a member of this committee.
These prices are not appreciated by road users. They consider them exorbitant.
They are obliged to submit to it in order to reach the shore and continue their journey on the Mbuji-Mayi-Kananga road.
To put an end to this obstacle, users of this road are calling for the rapid rehabilitation of the Lubi bridge.
