KINSHASA, Mar 2 – Flooding has cut off a major export route in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a bridge collapsed near the border with Zambia, disrupting copper shipments.
The damage affected the road leading to the Kasumbalesa border, which is the busiest crossing point between both countries. The Zambia Revenue Authority said trucks should use other routes as movement through the area has been blocked.
Meanwhile, repair work has started as the Road Development Agency said it expects to restore access within 48 hours.
The Kasumbalesa border handles a large number of trucks moving goods between the two countries. Long queues are common at the crossing, showing how important the route is for trade. As a result, the disruption has slowed the movement of copper and other goods from the region.
Although there are other border crossings, Kasumbalesa remains the main route for exports. This has made the impact of the collapse more significant.
At the same time, other transport options are being developed. The Lobito rail corridor connects mining areas to a port in Angola and is backed by the United States and the European Union. In addition, China is working on a railway project linking the region to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with an estimated cost of about $1.4 billion.
The situation shows how dependent the region is on a few key routes, as authorities continue efforts to restore access and keep trade moving.
