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The DRC Border Post Company SARL (“KBP”) is a duly registered Company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, established in terms of a Concession Agreement signed between the DRC Government and KBP, relating to the Design, Build, Operate and Transfer ("DBOT") of the DRC Border Post Project.
This Private Public Partnership ("PPP")/DBOT project was privately financed by KBP. In fact, the project was implemented at no cost, to the Government, while KBP undertook all of the financial and operational risks involved with the project.

 

Designing the project

The previous conditions of the border crossing included: poor and inadequate border facilities; narrow/damaged roads amongst other operational challenges. These conditions led to substantial queues, at the border crossing, resulting in average crossing times of 3-4 days for trucks.

In order to transform the border from an inefficient border to a modern state-of-the-art facility, KBP's design team were aware that it would entail more than just focusing on infrastructure improvements.

 

When designing the project, KBP's team introduced a “360 degree” design approach.
For the Design phase of the project KBP’s team actively engaged the various stakeholders and has sponsored dedicated workshops in order to address the current and future challenges of the Kasumbalesa Logistics Corridor.
Focused items for the design included:

• improving infrastructure;

• creating a modern “working environment” for the various Government agencies;

• improving security;

• reducing congestion;

• introducing new and cutting edge computerized systems in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic;

• the positive impact on the community;

• job creation; and

• knowledge transfer;

The new design of the border took into consideration harmonization of the border facilities, on both sides of the Kasumbalesa border (Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo "DRC"), towards the implementation of the long awaited “One Stop Border” approach.

With the KBP design in place the project was ready to proceed into the “build” phase.

 

Build

The KBP team successfully completed the build phase of the project in less than 1 year. Heavy machinery and hundreds of workers were involved in the build phase of the project. KBP engaged local suppliers from around the area as well as international suppliers and provided all logistical co-ordination for the execution of the project.

KBP commenced operation on 11th November 2011, with the opening ceremony that took place at the DRC border crossing, with the participation of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and the Governor of the DRC Province.

 

Operate

KBP has been operating the border since commencement of operation on 11th November 2011.
KBP employs well over 160 permanent employees for maintaining the border facilities, to ensure the, smooth flow of traffic, and operate the IT systems implemented by KBP.

 

The successful design and implementation of the facility reduced the crossing time per truck from 3-4 days to less than 30 minutes, thus contributing to the success story of the project.

All the relevant Governmental representatives operating at the border confirmed that KBP has constructed a modern facility in line with international standards and manages the border operation effectively and efficiently.  Due to KBP’s efficient operation of the border facility, the project is a huge success story greatly benefiting to the border users, Government agencies, truckers, transportation companies, and the surrounding community.