The city of Goma, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently the scene of a strike by water transporters that deeply affected the daily lives of the inhabitants. Indeed, the price of a 20-liter can of water increased sharply, from 250 to 750 or even 1,000 Congolese francs, due to the strike movement initiated by the water tanker truck transporters.
This strike, which began on Saturday, July 6, is a response to the police harassment suffered by the transporters following the implementation of a restriction on the movement of heavy goods vehicles in the city of Goma. Faced with this situation, the water transporters decided to mobilize and begin a protest movement that had repercussions on the supply of drinking water to the population.
However, signs of easing are beginning to appear. Indeed, the National Commission for Road Safety (CNPR) has taken measures to address the demands of water transporters. The provincial director of the CNPR, Eric Lushweku, announced that measures have been taken to facilitate the work of transporters, in particular by exempting those transporting water from the traffic restrictions imposed on heavy goods vehicles.
This announcement could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict. Ramazani Kagabo, president of the corporation of owners of water transport trucks, suggested that the 140 trucks could resume their service as early as Monday. This prospect is a glimmer of hope for the inhabitants of Goma, who depend heavily on these transporters for their water supply.
In conclusion, the strike of water transporters in Goma highlights the difficulties encountered by these workers and the direct impact on the daily lives of the inhabitants. The measures taken by the local authorities to find a solution to this conflict are a first step towards resolving the crisis. It is hoped that dialogue and collaboration between the different parties will make it possible to find a lasting solution to guarantee access to drinking water for all the inhabitants of Goma.