** Kananga: an urgent call for the regularization of electricity bills and its societal issues **
The press release issued by the National Electricity Company (SNEL) in Kananga, stressing the start of a forced collection campaign for unpaid invoices within 48 hours, raises several questions about the energy situation in this central Kasai province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a population of more than a million inhabitants, Kananga faces a major challenge: the insolvency of his subscribers in the face of an increasingly pressing energy demand.
### A fragile electrical context
The SNEL, in charge of the management of electricity in the country, highlighted the importance of regular payment of invoices for its operation and, by extension, for that of users. The insistence on the recovery of these claims is all the more relevant in a context where the fuel supply, crucial for the operation of the thermal power plant in service in Kananga, is regularly affected by unpaid. This situation creates a vicious circle that compromises access to electricity for many subscribers.
### Social and economic repercussions
The repercussions of this insolvency go beyond the purely economic framework. In a city where constant access to electricity is already a luxury, the shortfall for the SNEL can cause future investment projects, especially in the envisaged construction of Mbombo’s hydroelectric microchentral, as well as the erection of the Katende hydroelectric power station in the territory of Dibaya. These projects are presented as potential solutions to compensate for the energy deficit, but their dependence on an already unstable situation raises questions on long -term viability of such initiatives.
The return to an energy balance is a major issue in the region, where electricity is essential not only for homes, but also for various economic activities. The question of unpaid rents, small shops in difficulty or public institutions without resources becomes crucial. What are the strategies put in place to help subscribers to respect their financial commitments while ensuring the continuity of the service?
### The need for a constructive dialogue
The announcement of a coercive measure could cause a sense of concern among the subscribers concerned and strengthen tensions between the distribution company and its customers. How does SNEL plan to communicate and interact with its subscribers to find solutions to these shared challenges? An open dialogue on the difficulties encountered by subscribers could promote a climate of understanding and cooperation, thus making it possible to inform both the reasons for insolvency and the possible solutions.
### towards sustainable cooperation
Finally, it is also essential that initiatives are set up to raise awareness of customers about the importance of paying their invoices, perhaps through educational programs or financial incentives. How could SNEL collaborate with local authorities or non-governmental organizations to promote responsible energy management within the community?
The challenge of electricity in Kananga is not only a question of financial management, but also a social and environmental problem anchored in a broader dynamic. By promoting a participatory approach, both on the side of the SNEL and subscribers, from bridges to better management of energy resources could be established.
The energy crisis in Central Kasai therefore calls for nuanced and thoughtful responses. By placing the emphasis on dialogue and cooperation, it is possible to face the current challenges and to prepare a more stable energy future for all the inhabitants of Kananga.