Preventing Shipwrecks on the Congo River: How to Avoid the Dangers of Rivers in the DRC
During the night from Friday to Saturday, the province of Equateur in the Democratic Republic of Congo was the scene of a maritime tragedy. The sinking of the HB/MAPAMBOLI boat off the town of Mbandaka caused the death of around forty people, with several others still missing. Unfortunately, cases of shipwrecks are common on the Congo River. It is therefore imperative to consider the measures to be taken to prevent such accidents.
In this perspective, Jody Nkashama invited Didier Mukoma, representative of shipowners at the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC), and Jean De Dieu Minengu, deputy coordinator of the Congolese Agency for Ecological Transition (ACTED), to discuss the question. Désiré Baleka, notable from the Bolomba territory, also provided his point of view.
The first step to preventing shipwrecks on the Congo River is to strengthen maritime safety. Didier Mukoma underlines the importance of having boats in good condition, respecting safety standards and training crews in emergency procedures. He also stresses the importance of putting in place strict regulations for shipowners and strengthening safety controls.
Jean De Dieu Minengu highlights the importance of raising awareness and educating local populations. He stresses that it is essential to inform residents of the dangers of waterways, explain to them the safety measures to take and provide them with the means to ensure their own safety, such as life jackets.
Désiré Baleka highlights the importance of collaboration between the different stakeholders involved, such as local authorities, shipowners, NGOs and civil society. It proposes the establishment of a coordination unit to supervise actions to prevent shipwrecks and facilitate communication between stakeholders.
It is also necessary to strengthen the capacities of emergency and rescue services. Didier Mukoma emphasizes that specific training must be provided to rescue teams so that they can intervene quickly and effectively in the event of an accident. He also emphasizes the importance of having appropriate equipment, such as rescue boats and reliable means of communication.
Finally, promoting the use of modern technologies can also contribute to the prevention of shipwrecks. Monitoring and alert systems to detect boats in difficulty and report potential dangers can be put in place. Additionally, the use of advanced navigation techniques, such as GPS, can help mariners avoid risky areas.
In conclusion, it is imperative to take measures to prevent shipwrecks on the Congo River in the DRC. This requires strengthening maritime security, increased awareness among local populations, collaboration between the stakeholders concerned, strengthening rescue capacities and the use of modern technologies. By acting in concert, it is possible to significantly reduce maritime tragedies and protect the lives of people navigating the Congo River.