The fight against plastic pollution was at the heart of activities around the world on June 5, World Environment Day. In Kinshasa, Kinshasa women shared their views on efforts in the DRC to combat plastic pollution, and gave their opinions on the possibility of envisaging the capital without plastic waste.
Some, like Madeleine Ntumba, are optimistic about the alternative solutions that have emerged since the banning of plastic bags in some cities. She is a firm believer in the possibility of living a normal life without plastic bags, thanks to the biodegradable and reusable options.
Others are more nuanced and offer intermediate solutions to solve the problem. Anicette Mwamba, a graduate in visual communication, suggests a more moderate use of packaging, while Beatrice Tuzolana, a vegetable seller, is concerned that banning plastic bags could lead to the loss of sources of income for traders.
However, all agree on the need to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the city’s rivers. Some women, like Pélagie Mutabazi and her neighbors, sell plastic bottles to encourage recycling.
The Governor of the city of Kinshasa had signed a circular note in January 2021, prohibiting the production, import, marketing and use of plastic bags, but the decision is not yet implemented in the streets of the city. city.
In short, the issue of plastic pollution in the DRC remains complex and requires in-depth reflection to find realistic and sustainable solutions.