Fire in Kabukungu, Kamituga: residents ask for assistance and durable solutions
South Kivu was once again the scene of a devastating fire. On the night of Wednesday to Thursday July 6, 2023, a devastating fire broke out in Kabukungu, in the mining town of Kamituga. Several dwellings were reduced to ashes, leaving at least 14 houses totally destroyed and many properties lost. Local authorities are on the scene to assess the damage and support the affected population.
According to the first investigations, the origin of the fire is still unknown and no electric current was present at the time of the events. Residents on the scene testified to their horror when the fire broke out, some tried to save some property, but the magnitude of the flames quickly overwhelmed them.
Unfortunately, this fire is not an isolated case in the region. Kamituga is the fourth city in South Kivu to suffer a series of repeated fires, joining Bukavu and other localities affected by similar disasters. Firefighting infrastructure is lacking in the region, making firefighting more difficult.
Faced with these recurrent outbreaks of fire, the affected residents are asking for urgent help from the political and administrative authorities. They hope that measures will be taken to prevent new fires and to rebuild the destroyed houses. Affected families often find themselves in a precarious situation and require financial and logistical support to recover from this tragedy.
It is important that local and national authorities take concrete initiatives to protect people and their property against fires. The installation of fire-fighting equipment in high-risk areas, as well as raising the awareness of the inhabitants of preventive measures, could contribute to reducing the disastrous consequences of such disasters.
Community solidarity is also essential in these difficult times. Local associations and organizations can provide support by collecting donations for affected families and coordinating humanitarian actions. Every gesture counts to help the victims to rebuild themselves and to return to a normal life after this ordeal.
It is to be hoped that the authorities will respond quickly to the appeal of the inhabitants of Kamituga and will put in place concrete actions to prevent new tragedies. The safety and well-being of populations must be a top priority, and this includes fire prevention and assistance to victims. By joining forces, we can bring lasting solutions to these problems and help communities recover from these tragedies