The breakdown of the Budana hydroelectric plant in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo has plunged the town into darkness. The consequences are serious for certain local traders, in particular the owners of fishmongers, butchers and drinking establishments. For five days, they have recorded significant business losses due to this power outage.
In the Lumumba district in the city center, many traders are having difficulty selling their goods, particularly fresh produce. Drinking establishments have also been affected, making access to cold drinks difficult for Bunia residents.
Officials from Eletrokimo, the company in charge of electricity distribution in the region, say technicians are actively working to repair the outage. However, the duration of the outage and the impact on traders highlight the challenges facing the city when it comes to electricity supply.
This situation comes on top of other problems, such as a shortage of fuel for emergency generators. Traders point out that using generators is an expensive luxury and not a viable long-term solution.
The residents of Bunia are calling on the national authorities to intervene quickly to renovate the Budana hydroelectric power station, whose equipment has been obsolete for several years. This renovation would ensure a reliable electricity supply and support the development of commercial activities in the region.
In conclusion, the breakdown of the Budana hydroelectric plant in Bunia had a significant impact on local traders, leading to significant business losses. This situation highlights the need to invest in the country’s energy infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity supply and support the region’s economic development. The authorities must take concrete steps to renovate the plant and prevent such interruptions in the future.