Vendors at the Matadi Kibala market, who were displaced following a fire, continue to carry out their activities in dangerous conditions. Three months after the incident, they resumed their commercial activities unofficially along the main road, selling on the ground, among electric cables and next to bus and truck stops.
These women, determined to provide for their families, agreed to go to a temporary camp called Camp PM, but they deplore the conditions in which they now operate their business. The camp is too small to accommodate all the traders and goods, making it difficult to move products quickly.
Sellers also face significant risks. Bus stops and large trucks coming from Kongo Central are dangerous, and it is common for a driver to lose control and cause accidents. Additionally, with the arrival of the rainy season, women fear a situation similar to that of the previous fire, with electrical cables posing a potential danger.
Despite these precarious conditions, the sellers are abandoned to their sad fate. They express their frustration towards the urban authorities who have not taken the necessary measures to ensure their safety and find a lasting solution. The governor’s promises to come back with solutions have not been kept, leaving women in a situation of uncertainty and vulnerability.
It is regrettable to note that the construction work on a modern market in Matadi Kibala, announced several years ago, has still not started. Despite the tragedies that have occurred, there seem to be land problems that are preventing this project from being carried out. The sellers therefore call on the authorities to take precautions to prevent new incidents and to provide them with a safe and conducive environment for their commercial activity.
In the meantime, these courageous women continue to practice their profession in extremely difficult conditions. Their determination to provide for their family despite obstacles shows their resilience and fighting spirit. It is essential that authorities become aware of their situation and act quickly to ensure their safety and well-being. The current situation cannot continue, and it is time to find lasting solutions for the sellers of the Matadi Kibala market.