The recent sanitation operations carried out in Kinshasa have provoked mixed reactions among the population of the Congolese capital. Indeed, these works, aimed at cleaning the gutters and improving public hygiene, have been greeted with a certain indifference by many residents. Despite the efforts made by the city hall and its partners to clean up certain communes such as Ngiri-Ngiri, Kasavubu and Kalamu, bad practices persist and hinder the smooth running of these works.
It is alarming to note that some citizens continue to dump their waste in the gutters, thus obstructing the free flow of water and compromising the cleanliness efforts undertaken. This irresponsible attitude demonstrates a lack of awareness of the importance of preserving our environment and keeping our public spaces clean. The testimonies collected in the field are eloquent: residents denounce the lack of public trash cans and the lack of effective sanitation services, which unfortunately encourage some to transform gutters into real dumps.
Faced with this worrying situation, it seems essential to engage in a more in-depth reflection on the means to be implemented to encourage the population to change their behavior and actively participate in the sanitation of the city. Awareness, education and the implementation of coercive measures could be avenues to explore to stem this scourge.
Yves Bolombelo, former Environment executive in Kinshasa, raises a key issue by encouraging the provincial executive to intensify awareness campaigns and apply severe sanctions to offenders. It is imperative that local authorities become more involved in promoting a culture of cleanliness and civic engagement. Mayors, as the first relays of this public health policy, have a crucial role to play in revitalizing the sanitation of each municipality and in encouraging residents to adopt responsible behavior.
Ultimately, the cleanliness of public spaces is everyone’s business and everyone must be aware of their individual responsibility in preserving their environment. The city of Kinshasa needs a collective leap to guarantee a healthy and pleasant living environment for all its residents. It is time to act together to offer our fellow citizens a dignified urban environment that respects the most basic hygiene standards. The challenge has been set, it is up to us to take up the challenge and build together a clean and welcoming city for all.