President Tshisekedi Calls for Merit-Based Management in DRC's Public Utilities

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has stressed the importance of adopting a quality and performance-oriented management approach within the country's water utility company (REGIDESO) and national electricity company (SNEL) in 2024. During a Council of Ministers meeting, the President highlighted the importance of competence and advocated for the selection of company managers based on competitive, transparent, and fair processes, promoting the principle of meritocracy.

The President tasked the portfolio minister with requesting a reform committee to develop proposals for perpetuating this practice within the companies. Establishing competent and efficient management committees in these public enterprises is critical for ensuring effective service delivery to the population. The focus on meritocracy and competence in appointing managers constitutes a significant step towards improving basic services and enhancing citizens' trust in public institutions through transparent and efficient governance.

Why this matters: The initiative to adopt merit-based management in REGIDESO and SNEL has the potential to significantly improve the quality and reliability of water and electricity services for the Congolese people. By prioritizing competence and transparency in the selection of managers, these crucial public utilities can enhance their performance and better meet the needs of the population.

President Tshisekedi stressed the importance of competence as a key criterion for public officials working in these companies, and the necessity of a transparent and fair selection process to ensure the appointment of the most qualified individuals. This initiative is grounded in the concept of meritocracy, which has already been applied in the appointment of the chairman of the board of directors and active officers. The President aims to extend this merit-based approach to non-active employees to further enhance the competence level within these crucial companies.

By transitioning towards a more transparent and merit-driven management system, significant improvements are expected in the quality of services provided by REGIDESO and SNEL, addressing the legitimate expectations of the populace and demonstrating a firm commitment to enhancing the living standards of the Congolese people. As President Tshisekedi stated, "Establishing competent and efficient management committees in these public enterprises is essential for ensuring effective service delivery to the population."

Key Takeaways

• President Tshisekedi stresses merit-based management in DRC's utility companies.
• Competence and transparent selection of managers are key priorities.
• Reforms aim to improve service delivery and public trust in institutions.
• Meritocracy already applied in board appointments, to be extended further.
• Enhancing competence in REGIDESO and SNEL is crucial for effective services.