Fire in Bukavu: call for responsibility to avoid tragedies
A new tragic fire has hit the city of Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This time, five children, including four members of the same family, lost their lives in this tragedy which occurred in the Cahi district.
According to the mayor of Bagira, the fire was caused by a household who forgot to put out the fire after using wood for cooking. Unfortunately, the fire quickly spread in this neighborhood where the plank houses are numerous and overlap.
This sad incident is unfortunately far from isolated in Bukavu. Each week, new fires ravage the city, leaving the population helpless against the spread of the fire. The causes of these fires are multiple, but the anarchic construction and the promiscuity of the dwellings are often singled out.
In this alarming context, the responsibility of local authorities is also called into question. Indeed, the distribution of plots without taking neutral zones into account contributes to the construction of plank houses which become veritable fire pits. It is therefore necessary that the authorities become aware of their role in land management and ensure that such situations are avoided.
In addition, it is essential to educate residents about fire prevention. Simple measures, such as extinguishing cooking fires, can prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Bukavu. It is also necessary to put in place operational fire-fighting infrastructures in the city, in order to be able to intervene quickly in the event of an emergency.
Finally, it is urgent that the promises of aid from the authorities, such as the announcement of the donation of fire trucks, be implemented. The population of Bukavu needs support to deal with this resurgence of fires and to preserve the safety of its inhabitants.
In conclusion, it is essential that everyone becomes aware of their responsibility in the prevention of fires. The authorities must act to regulate construction and avoid areas at risk, while the population must adopt responsible behavior to prevent fires from starting. Together, we can help prevent further tragedies and ensure everyone’s safety