### Kinkenda: a light on the urgency of urban planning in Kinshasa
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a booming metropolis, but which faces considerable challenges in terms of urban development. The recent call for the construction of a municipal market in the Kinkenda district in Ngaliema highlights the inadequacies of town planning in the city and the urgent need to develop local infrastructure. This call, brought by the district chief André Mfutila Yamfu, underlines the social, economic and health impact of a modern market in this popular locality.
#### A fundamental need
The demand for a market in the Kinkenda district is not simply a question of convenience for the inhabitants, but a fundamental need which is part of a broader vision of urban development. The socio -cultural context of Kinshasa, with its millions of inhabitants experiencing precarious living conditions, makes it all the more urgent the need to centralize commercial activities to maximize the profits. Statistics show that about 70% of Kinshasa live with less than $ 2 a day, making access to food for affordable food.
The absence of an appropriate market within a radius accessible to Kinkenda forces thousands of families to travel dozens of kilometers to obtain essential products, which weighs heavily on their budgets. A local market would not only reduce these transport costs but also to energize the local economy by promoting local producers and by attracting investments.
#### Sanitary and economic issues
Madeleine Muntu, a saleswoman from the neighborhood, underlined another crucial aspect: the health problems caused by the rescue sale and the presence of pirate markets. In a context where food hygiene is often compromised, the health risks of consumers are increased. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, more than 2 million annual deaths worldwide are linked to a healthy diet. Kinkenda, like other Kinshasa districts, suffers from the consequences of insufficient regulation and disorganization of local trade. A well -structured market will guarantee health standards, beneficial for both public health and the local economy.
#### Markets as levers for sustainable development
The creation of a municipal market is not just a simple infrastructure. It represents an opportunity to structure local trade, by integrating sustainable practices. Indeed, a market can be designed as a place of socio -cultural meeting and economic exchanges. Inspired by successful examples in other African cities, we can imagine a market truly integrated into environmental concerns, with spaces for organic products, recycling initiatives and innovative solutions to minimize food waste.
For comparison, the Koutoubia market in Marrakech, Morocco, is recognized for its efforts in sustainable development, attracting not only residents but also visitors. This is a destination where exchange is built around local culture and artisanal know-how. Kinkenda could, with a similar vision, become a place of value added both economic and social, and a model for other districts of Kinshasa.
#### Conclusion: A call for collective action
The advocacy for the construction of a market in Kinkenda is a cry of the heart carried by local actors who live the daily realities of their fellow citizens. Much more than a simple request, it is an invitation to rethink town planning in Kinshasa: a call for collective action which must mobilize urban authorities, investors and communities. By adopting a collaborative approach, the capital of the DRC could transform its challenges into opportunities, and offer a better living environment to its inhabitants.
The construction of a modern Kinkenda market is therefore much more than an infrastructure; It is a step towards a future where sustainable development and access to quality consumption are becoming a reality for everyone. The ball is now in the camp of political and economic decision -makers, so that they become aware of the importance of investing in local infrastructure for the benefit of the population.