Drinking water is an essential resource that is often taken for granted in many parts of the world. However, in Kananga, in the Kasaï-Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the population has been facing serious difficulties in obtaining drinking water for more than a month.
The situation began after rainwater overflowed at the REGIDESO catchment plant on December 26. Since then, REGIDESO’s taps have remained dry, leaving the population without access to drinking water.
The population of Kananga is forced to travel long distances every day to find water. Women, girls and children go to places where boreholes are available to obtain drinking water. However, this presents a considerable challenge, especially for those who have to carry heavy loads over long distances.
Due to this situation, many families are forced to spend a large amount of money every day to buy water. The price of the water basin can reach up to 1000 or even 1500 Congolese francs, which is particularly expensive for the population who already live in precarious conditions.
REGIDESO explained that the machines at the catchment plant were damaged by the overflow of rainwater, which required repair work. However, the date for resuming the distribution of drinking water in the city is not yet known.
Faced with this situation, it is urgent to find solutions to guarantee access to drinking water for the population of Kananga. This requires a concerted effort by local authorities and REGIDESO to quickly repair the machines and restore the distribution of drinking water. Additionally, long-term investments in water infrastructure are needed to avoid future shortages.
In conclusion, the population of Kananga is currently experiencing considerable difficulties in obtaining drinking water. This situation highlights the critical importance of this vital resource and highlights the need to invest in sustainable infrastructure to ensure reliable access to drinking water for all.