The specter of house demolitions in the Bipemba National Airport catchment area, in Mbuji-Mayi in Kasai Oriental province, raises crucial questions about the rights of the families affected. The recent call by local residents for fair compensation highlights the complex issues of expropriation and reconstruction.
The situation of the families affected by the demolitions is worrying. More than 800 houses were destroyed on Dodoma and Zaire avenues, homes that had existed for more than 30 years. These demolitions, which began on 29 October 2024, have left many families homeless and in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
The absence of a formal demolition act signed by the authorities raises questions about the legitimacy of these actions and the protection of citizens’ rights. Residents, forced to leave their homes without adequate compensation, are faced with a major challenge: rebuilding their lives from scratch.
The provincial government has offered land on the outskirts of the city as a rehousing solution, but this is not enough to compensate for the loss of the demolished houses. Affected families are demanding fair compensation that reflects the value of their properties and that allows them to rebuild a new home in dignified conditions.
The residents’ protest against this expropriation highlights a broader issue of respect for land rights and the protection of citizens from government decisions. It is crucial that authorities take into account the concerns of the impacted families and work to find fair and equitable solutions.
Ultimately, the issue of demolitions in Mbuji-Mayi highlights the need for a more humane and rights-respecting approach in urban planning policies. Affected families deserve not only adequate compensation, but also support in their reconstruction and recovery process. It is imperative that the voices of citizens are heard and that concrete steps are taken to ensure their well-being and dignity.