Sailing on Lake Kivu, between Goma, Bukavu, Minova, Idjwi and other destinations, should be a pleasant and safe experience. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. The navigability conditions on this lake are far from optimal, posing risks to both crews and passengers.
Information from port sources is alarming: the vast majority of boats do not meet essential navigability standards. They do not have the necessary equipment to ensure safety on board. This situation is particularly critical at the port of Goma, where the lack of adequate rescue measures in the event of an incident at sea is denounced by both the authorities and civil society.
Among the shortcomings noted, we note the absence of survival equipment such as compasses, life rafts, life jackets, as well as anti-collision monitoring devices. Regular technical inspections should normally ensure that boats are compliant, but in reality, many vessels are escaping this obligation. This situation leads to frequent technical breakdowns during voyages, endangering the lives of passengers and crews.
Voices are being raised to denounce the shortcomings in the regulation of voyages on Lake Kivu. Some shortcomings are being pointed out, such as the absence of rigorous technical inspections before departure, overcrowding of boats, lack of training of crew members and the absence of insurance certificates for some boats. A tragic example of these shortcomings is the recent sinking of the MV MERDI near the port of Kituku in Goma.
To ensure safe and reliable navigation on Lake Kivu, it is imperative that the authorities act quickly. There is a need to strengthen the control of vessels, ensure adequate training of crews, put in place effective emergency response measures and ensure compliance with navigability standards. In addition, the installation of a meteorological and nautical station at the port of Goma would allow for better control of naval traffic, thus contributing to the safety of crossings on Lake Kivu.
In short, it is urgent that concrete measures be taken to address the navigability deficiencies on Lake Kivu. The lives of passengers and crews depend on the implementation of more rigorous and secure practices in the field of river and lake navigation.