Tshopo provincial assembly president calls for moratorium on ban on wooden boats

One week before the scheduled November 15 ban on wooden boats, Matheus Kanga is asking the head of state to suspend the measure. He says replacing the boats with metal vessels within the allotted time is unrealistic and notes that the Congo River and its tributaries are Tshopo’s main transport routes because the province lacks sufficient roads. He warns that the ban could raise food prices and cost people their jobs, while backing improved safety through boat registration and stronger inspections. Kanga is seeking a 12-month moratorium to give boat operators time to meet government requirements.