Community consultations in Kongo Central, a province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been instrumental in preparing for the community development aspect of the Inga 3 Development Program. This program, aimed at economic transformation through improved access to renewable energy, has received phased support from the World Bank.
Residents from five territories near the Inga Rapids on the Congo River—Seke-Banza, Lukula, Tshela, Songololo, and Luozi—were identified as potential beneficiaries. The consultations involved territory administrators, technical service heads, administrative sector heads ("chefs de secteurs"), customary chiefs, community representatives, and civil society actors. These sessions provided a platform to discuss prospects for Inga 3 and address legacy issues from previous hydropower projects.
Key concerns included impacts from past projects and potential hydrological effects of a third power station. Discussions also covered livelihood prospects and infrastructure needs such as education and health facilities.
In Luozi territory, which includes 10 sectors with 37 groupings and 579 villages, sector heads discussed pressing challenges. Simon Lukeba from Kimbanza highlighted the need for a modern marketplace: “None of the ten sectors of our territory has a market worthy of the name... The construction of this market would be a real game changer for our population.” He also emphasized rehabilitating agricultural feeder roads to prevent spoilage of food products.
Hector Yakuba from Mongo Luala stressed infrastructure rehabilitation: “We have two main roads totaling 71 kilometers... This is our top priority,” he explained.
These consultations have shaped the community development component of Inga 3 to align with local priorities. Communities prioritized small-scale drinking water points; stable electricity sources; and community infrastructure like health centers, schools, meeting places, markets; and agricultural service roads—all requiring labor-intensive public works that could create jobs.
World Bank Social Development Specialist Lisette Khonde highlighted social infrastructure priorities defined by Balari sector representatives in Luozi territory. Dan Owen from the World Bank noted: “The thirst for tangible development benefits came through loud and clear... Together with filling basic infrastructure deficits, the project could vastly improve people’s living standards.”
Under Inga 3's first phase with World Bank support, $100 million is allocated for local development. Future phases will deepen investments in local and national development.
Lelo Lendo Patshely from Seke-Banza Territory welcomed this approach: "Previous projects were designed without involvement... Today... we dare to believe that the outcome will be successful.”
Albert Zeufack from the World Bank stated: “Continued dialogue between government... will be critical for success... ensuring transparency and accountability.”