Cleaning work on the Kalamu River in Kinshasa: an urgent necessity for the safety of residents
Neighborhoods near rivers in Kinshasa are facing a pressing problem at the start of the rainy season. Urban authorities have been strongly recommended to carry out river cleaning in order to prevent flooding and the health problems that result from it.
In the Mososo district of the commune of Limete in Kinshasa, residents are particularly worried. The cleaning work on the Kalamu River, promised by the authorities, has still not been carried out. The gutters are clogged with waste and dirty water flows into the river, creating an increased risk of flooding.
Residents express their dismay at this precarious situation. Jeanho Tununa, a resident near the Kalamu River, explains: “When it rains, we are stuck upstairs in our houses, desperately waiting for the authorities to intervene to rescue us.”
Sophie Morehira, officer at the Urban Environment Division, shares these concerns. She expresses her concern about the consequences of the floods on daily work: “When the rain persists, we are unable to work because the water invades our offices and damages our files.”
The mayor of the municipality of Limete, Nathalie Alamba Feza, recognizes the difficulties encountered and claims to lack the necessary means to unclog the gutters and canals in her municipality.
It is imperative that the authorities take rapid action to remedy this critical situation. Cleaning rivers and maintaining an adequate sanitation system are essential to ensure the safety of residents and prevent the risks of flooding and diseases linked to contaminated water.
It is also necessary to raise awareness among the population of the importance of preserving the cleanliness of rivers and gutters, by avoiding throwing waste into these waterways. Active involvement of the community and local authorities is essential to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
In conclusion, the cleaning work on the Kalamu River in Kinshasa is an urgent priority to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The authorities must act quickly by providing the necessary resources to carry out this work in order to prevent the risk of flooding and preserve the health of the population.