A new episode of fire has struck the peaceful city of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving more than 60 houses reduced to ashes on BCB Avenue in Nyamugo. The tragedy has sparked a reaction of compassion and indignation among the inhabitants of the region, confronted with a devastating scene.
Yet behind this tragedy lies a worrying phenomenon: the rush of young people to the rubble in search of scrap metal for trade. These makeshift ragpickers risk their lives to recover metal materials to resell. A dangerous practice that cost a young man of twenty years old to burn his right hand while searching for goods among the still burning ashes.
The presence of these young people on the disaster sites reflects a deeper reality of precariousness and despair. While families mourn the loss of their homes, some struggle to survive in an informal economy where the only option is to collect debris to earn a meager income.
This sad situation raises questions about social protection and support for the most vulnerable in society. Local authorities must take urgent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future and provide viable economic alternatives to young people who want to support themselves.
The fire in Bukavu is much more than a material disaster; it is a symbol of the inequalities and challenges faced by the local population. It is time to act to ensure a better future for all the inhabitants of the region and put an end to these scenes of despair and danger that are taking place among the ashes of tragedy.