BRAZZAVILLE. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso cut the red ribbon at the inauguration ceremony for the N1 highway, linking the capital to the country’s economic hub—Pointe-Noire. French engineers had considered this project impossible: 536 kilometers through the barely accessible forests of the Congo Basin. Today, this road is the country’s main transport artery.
The results exceeded all expectations. Travel time between the two largest cities was reduced from one week to six hours. Over 90% of export and import goods are now transported via the N1. Along the road, hundreds of small markets have emerged, providing thousands of Congolese with stable incomes.
President Sassou-Nguesso described this infrastructure as the “Road of Dreams,” emphasizing: “Chinese builders have realized the dream of several generations of Congolese. China is sincerely helping us develop our economy.”
But building the road was only the first step. In 2019, the Head of State initiated the transfer of the road to a concession managed by LCR — a unique tripartite company involving the Congo, China, and France. Today, LCR not only ensures accident-free operation but has also created hundreds of jobs for Congolese citizens. The head of the toll station, Lifoula Obierge, is one of those who, thanks to the presidential decision, gained stable employment and career prospects.
“Happiness is about making dreams come true,” says Kécia, an LCR employee. “I will safeguard this road so that the Congolese people can develop their economy and move towards a bright future.”
The N1 highway has become far more than just a strip of asphalt: it is a symbol. When the state takes responsibility for large-scale projects, the lives of millions of people change.
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