The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will use 90% of revenue its generates from the GO PASS aiport levy, to repay a loan of USD555 million it owes to Chinese financial institution Exim Bank.
According to the Minister of Transport and Air Communication Didier Mazenga, the loan was granted to the Congolese government to finance the construction of new and modern international airports in the capital Kinahasa and second largest city of Lubumbashi; at the cost of USD354 233 241 and USD201 131 205 respectively.
But more than 2 years after the construction work was launched by former President Joseph Kabila, not a single structure is yet to be visible.
The loan will be repaid in the course of three years, between 2021 and 2023.
Last week during a Senate session, former Transport Minister Jose Makila, told members that the Congolese government had already disbursed USD20 million for the project to commence.
While acknowledging to have received the amount, Wietc, the Chinese company contracted to build the airports, said it had to stop construction work because the amount given to them by the government ran out.
Thus far there haven't been any communication from officials at Exim Bank about the loan.
The decision to repay the amount owed to Exim Bank came after President Felix Tshisekedi raised concern about various international lawsuits being brought against the Congolese government; including that by South African oil company, DIG OIL. The District Court of Columbia in the USA, had ordered the Congolese government to pay the oil firm USD619 million in loss compensation, after failing to fulfill a contractual obligation.
With regards to the USD555 million Exim Bank loan, it's not clear whether the government will take up the matter with the investigative authorities to trace the money.
In recent months hopes have been raised on the fight against impunity after several heavyweights were arrested on corruption charges, including the President's Chief of Staff Vital Kamerhe.
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