Fatshimetrie: Analysis of Jean-Jacques Purusi’s first 100 days of governance in South Kivu
The citizen movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA) recently published a detailed report on Jean-Jacques Purusi’s first 100 days of governance in South Kivu, entitled “Fatshimetrie”. This barometer highlights both significant progress and worrying gaps in the governor’s actions.
One of the main concerns raised by LUCHA concerns the opening up of the province through the rehabilitation of roads and navigable waterways. While key objectives have been identified in this area, such as the audit of the infrastructure sector to improve the efficiency of road works, few concrete initiatives seem to have been implemented so far. For example, the project to asphalt certain urban roads, wrongly attributed to the new governor, had in fact been launched by his predecessor.
Urban infrastructure also remains a concern, with sections in poor condition requiring immediate attention. The construction of parking lots, central stations and public toilets, which are crucial for the quality of life in urban areas, has yet to be initiated. Similarly, promised initiatives such as the installation of street lights and surveillance cameras are still pending, leaving the population vulnerable to darkness and crime.
Furthermore, the state of sanitation in the city of Bukavu is alarming, with clogged gutters and chaotic waste management leading to tragic floods. LUCHA recommends urgent action to establish an effective hygiene and sanitation service, drawing on best practices implemented in other countries, such as Rwanda, where plastic waste is transformed into paving stones.
On the economic front, the report highlights a significant gap between revenue mobilization promises and actual achievements. The “provincial fuel account” has remained inactive, and the fight against corruption in tax collection remains a major challenge. LUCHA calls for immediate reforms to ensure transparent and efficient management of provincial resources.
In conclusion, the results of Jean-Jacques Purusi’s first 100 days in South Kivu are mixed according to LUCHA. While ambitious objectives have been announced, concrete actions and a strong political will still seem to be lacking. The people of South Kivu deserve a better future, and it is essential that the governor be more committed and transform his promises into tangible actions to meet the legitimate expectations of his constituents.
In order to improve his governance, LUCHA encourages Jean-Jacques Purusi to avoid populism and to prioritize concrete actions for the well-being of the population. The focus must be on transparency, the fight against corruption, the promotion of essential infrastructure and services, as well as respect for human rights and social justice. Only genuine commitment and concrete measures will bring about positive and lasting change in South Kivu province.