** Kinshasa, a suspended megalopolis: issues and prospects for urban sanitation **
With its more than 15 million inhabitants, Kinshasa positions itself as one of the largest cities in Africa and the world. However, this megalopolis experiences a worrying reality daily: waste management. According to Jack Mabaya Kashit, the director general of the sanitation fund (FONAK), the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) generates nearly 14,000 tonnes of waste each day. This figure, both impressive and alarming, underlines the extent of the challenge that the city is faced.
The “Kinshasa Ezo Bonga” program, supported by the city governor and the head of state, is trying to respond to this crisis by aiming to restore the image of a modern capital. However, it seems that real sanitation needs are largely exceeding the current financial forecasts, with an estimate evoking an annual need of $ 480 million, against USD $ 156 million advanced by the Fonak. This divergence of 324 million USD between technical and institutional estimates not only reflects a crying need for resources, but also complexity in the planning and implementation of waste management initiatives.
### An interconnected challenge
It is essential to understand that the waste crisis in Kinshasa does not only result from an excessive accumulation of waste. It is symptomatic of deeper structural problems, such as unlanned urbanization, fragmented governance and the low capacity of public services. These elements are combined to create an environment where waste accumulates in the markets, obstruct the rivers and make the secondary roads impracticable, especially during the rains.
Thus, Kinshasa does not face a simple logistical challenge of sanitation, but a combination of social, economic and environmental challenges. The scarcity of sanitation resources is exacerbated by a rapid demographic increase, without a convincing urban planning program capable of supporting this growth.
### The implications of the solutions proposed
The discussion between Fonak and the Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku, aims to synchronize technical and political efforts in terms of sanitation. The previous experience of North Kivu, which had implemented structured urban health programs, is an interesting track. However, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the ability to establish lasting funding and to mobilize expertise adapted to the specific realities of Kinshasa.
Local and international commitment will be crucial. The need for a stable financing mechanism must be raised, not only to guarantee the continuity of sanitation efforts, but also to build a solid infrastructure that will be able to manage this crisis over time. What resources can be mobilized at national and international level to support these initiatives? How to more effectively involve civil society players and private companies?
### Towards a redefinition of urban governance
The current situation also raises questions about the respective roles of public and private institutions in waste management. The creation of partnerships between the State and companies could offer alternative solutions, such as the development of waste treatment technologies or waste management education programs for residents. In this sense, the role of citizens should not be underestimated: to raise awareness and involve the population in an active sorting approach and waste reduction could help to lighten the charge.
### Conclusion: a future at stake
Kinshasa, as a city in full mutation, is at a decisive crossroads. The challenges of urban sanitation encountered by its inhabitants are not only a technical problem but a reflection of the way in which the city is built and governed. Addressing this crisis not only requires substantial financial resources, but also a shared vision of a future where sanitation and sustainability are at the heart of concerns.
It will be essential that all stakeholders, from state to citizens, unite their efforts to trace a path to a cleaner kinshasa, healthier and more resilient. The choices that will be made today will influence not only the quality of life of the inhabitants, but also the future face of this megalopolis.