Fatshimetrie, October 19, 2024 – The diversion of watercourses in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is causing deep concern about its effects on local flora and fauna. This practice, mainly motivated by the construction of residences and the extraction of raw materials, represents a serious threat to the region’s ecosystem.
According to information gathered during an interview with the provincial coordinator of the REDD+Rénové Climate Working Group (GTCRR), Dieudonné Lossa Dhekana, the diversion of rivers constitutes a real environmental crime. Indeed, by diverting the natural course of water, these individuals cause the destruction of nature, endangering the lives of aquatic animals and plants that depend on this fragile balance.
In addition to the direct consequences on flora and fauna, water diversion can also cause considerable damage in the event of floods. When rivers seek their natural bed following these artificial disturbances, floods can have disastrous consequences for the inhabitants of the region, both in terms of material losses and human lives.
It is important to emphasize that the law is clear on this subject: it is strictly forbidden to build houses or any other infrastructure in the beds of watercourses. This rule aims to protect the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems and to prevent the risks associated with these illegal practices.
By wondering where these individuals obtain the necessary authorizations to carry out these construction projects in inappropriate areas, it is clear that measures must be taken quickly to put an end to these destructive practices and preserve the natural wealth of the Bunia region.
It is crucial that local authorities take strict measures to enforce the law and protect the environment, the ecosystem and all the species that depend on it. It is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against actions that threaten our precious natural heritage.