On December 24, 2024, a major announcement was made at a press conference held on the sidelines of Félix Tshisekedi’s official visit to the Kasaï-Central province. During this event, Teddy Lwamba, Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, highlighted the challenges facing Regideso S.A., the main public company responsible for the distribution of drinking water in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the Minister, the Kasaï-Central province is affected by erosion problems that significantly impact the hydraulic water distribution network. This situation has created major difficulties, particularly with regard to the collection and distribution of drinking water in the region. However, solutions are being developed to remedy this critical situation.
In this context, significant investments have been planned to improve drinking water supply in the province. Substantial funding of around $100 million has been obtained, thanks to technical and financial partners, for the construction of a water treatment plant. This plant should provide approximately 100,000 m³ of water per day, thus meeting the population’s essential needs in terms of access to drinking water.
In addition, a vast project to build 250 kilometers of water supply network is planned in the city, thus promising concrete and sustainable solutions from the beginning of 2025. David Tshilumba Mutombo, General Manager of Regideso S.A., stated that this flagship project represents one of the most important since 1960 in the province.
With a view to sustainable development, Regideso is also considering the construction of a new hydroelectric power plant. This ambitious initiative aims to guarantee a continuous supply of energy for the entire water distribution network, thus ensuring a regular and reliable distribution of drinking water to the inhabitants of the region.
The reconstruction of the water distribution network is a crucial step in this overall project. With the installation of a new network of 250 to 300 kilometers of pipes, including primary and secondary segments, Regideso is committed to effectively restoring drinking water supply in the Kasaï-Central region.
In short, these major initiatives and significant investments reflect the commitment of the Congolese government and Regideso S.A. to resolve the problems of access to drinking water in the country. These structuring projects aim to guarantee a reliable, sustainable and quality drinking water supply for the population, thus marking a significant step forward in the water supply sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.