The economy is booming in Lualaba province, the economic powerhouse of the Democratic Republic of Congo, renowned for its rich cobalt and copper reserves. To support this growth, the city of Kolwezi has unveiled its first-ever road interchange, an innovative and sustainable infrastructure fully illuminated by solar-powered streetlights provided by Sunna Design and its local partner, Congo Energy.
Kolwezi – DRC
iSSL Maxi 4
As part of the 2024–2028 Five-Year Development Plan, the Kolwezi road interchange marks a significant step forward in enhancing mobility within Lualaba province. Spanning 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) and featuring two strategically placed bridges, this interchange aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce delays, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. Its location near the airport facilitates access to economic hubs and further boosts the region’s appeal.
Developed by the Forrest Group subsidiaries EGMF and Congo Energy, in partnership with provincial authorities, the project exemplifies sustainable development tailored to meet the needs of both the local population and businesses.
To ensure the safety of this essential infrastructure, the interchange has been equipped with 130 solar streetlights from Sunna Design’s iSSL range. Engineered to maximize energy efficiency under intense sunlight, these streetlights deliver reliable, autonomous, and eco-friendly illumination.
The iSSL Maxi 4 model, selected for this project, stands out for its ease of installation. Each unit can be operational in under 10 minutes, without heavy construction work—saving time and simplifying deployment on complex job sites. Additionally, these streetlights feature SunnaCore technology for optimized energy management and the SunnAPP, a Bluetooth-enabled application that monitors performance. Together, these innovations ensure streamlined maintenance and peak performance, even in challenging environments.
This road interchange represents more than just a modern infrastructure—it is a milestone in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s journey toward sustainable development and energy transition. It joins over 8,000 solar-powered streetlights already installed by Sunna Design nationwide, including along the roads of Lubumbashi.
By promoting cleaner energy solutions and improving infrastructure, the DRC is laying the foundation for a modern, connected, and eco-conscious future while addressing the needs of its growing population.
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