“Community citizenship for a cleaner city: the case of Goma”
In Goma, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mayor Faustin Kapend Kamand recently launched a vibrant appeal to the population to promote community citizenship and ensure the cleanliness of the city. This initiative aims to raise awareness among residents about the importance of maintaining a healthy environment to prevent epidemics and diseases linked to unsanitary conditions.
During a field visit to the drained water collector of Goma International Airport, the mayor noticed an accumulation of waste that was blocking the passage of water and causing damage to the surrounding neighborhoods. This alarming situation prompted local authorities to act quickly to unclog the collector and prevent further deterioration of the environment.
The provincial director of the Office of Roads and Drainage in North Kivu, Timothée Sumaili, stressed the need to clean the collector and clean it regularly to ensure its proper functioning. He also proposed to demolish and develop the culverts to facilitate maintenance of the structure and avoid new blockages in the future.
The authorities mobilized OVD machine tools to unclog the structure and restore water flow. This intervention was welcomed by the local population, who hope to see a significant improvement in the situation and a reduction in the risks related to unsanitary conditions.
To prevent new incidents, the military governor announced additional measures, such as planting trees in each plot, cleaning up homes and organizing community work to keep the city clean. Coercive measures could also be taken against offenders who do not respect hygiene and sanitation rules.
In conclusion, community citizenship and the commitment of all are essential to ensure the cleanliness of the city of Goma and preserve the health of its inhabitants. It is essential that everyone takes responsibility and actively contributes to a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.