2023-07-20 – A bush fire of unknown origin ravaged several houses in the villages Tshikankula and Kena Kalamba, located in the Bakwa Tshiombe and Bakwa Tshilomba groupements, in the Dibatayi sector, in the province of Kasai Central.
According to Bakwa Tshilomba group leader Mubengayi Kazadi, the fire broke out on Monday July 17 and has already caused considerable damage. A preliminary report shows 13 houses completely destroyed, but fortunately no loss of human life has been reported.
The Tshikankula village was the most affected, with 8 houses burnt down. The village of Kena Kalamba also suffered damage, with 5 houses destroyed. The inhabitants of the affected villages now find themselves homeless, spending their nights under the stars.
Local authorities and a local NGO, represented by Coordinator Aldos Tshitoko, requested the intervention of the provincial government and the central government to provide emergency assistance to the victim families. This situation follows a series of fires which have already destroyed more than 100 houses in Dibaya territory since the beginning of the dry season.
Residents of the affected villages are hoping for a quick response from the authorities to help them rebuild their homes and regain some stability in their daily lives. It is crucial that prevention and awareness measures are put in place to avoid future fires and protect the safety and well-being of local communities