The climate of insecurity currently reigns on the sites of the water distribution authority (REGIDESO) in Kinshasa, and in other provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a recent press briefing and a guided tour of its facilities, the general director of REGIDESO, David Tshilumba, strongly denounced the anarchic occupation of these sites, endangering the company’s activities.
According to him, malicious individuals are fraudulently attempting to appropriate land legitimately belonging to REGIDESO. Land conflicts have broken out, compromising the proper functioning of the management and endangering the security of infrastructure. David Tshilumba underlines the crucial importance of securing these sites by fencing off the areas concerned, and calls for urgent intervention from the government to resolve this alarming situation.
One of the most affected areas is Maluku, where REGIDESO extracts a significant quantity of water. Despite legal disputes, REGIDESO won its case, thus demonstrating its legitimacy in these areas. David Tshilumba insists on the fact that any person contesting the belonging of these sites to REGIDESO will have to resolve to resort to justice.
It is essential that the Congolese authorities take adequate measures to protect REGIDESO concessions, thus ensuring the continuity of essential water distribution services across the country. This alarming situation highlights the importance of cooperation between the government and public companies to guarantee the security of vital infrastructure for the population.
It is essential to act quickly to prevent possible sabotage and ensure the sustainability of the activities of REGIDESO, guarantor of access to drinking water for thousands of Congolese.