### Bandundu’s morgue in crisis: between distress and appeal to action
The city of Bandundu, in the heart of the province of Kwilu, has faced a major health and social crisis for several days. Indeed, the only morgue in the city, located within the Reference General Hospital, is currently out of service due to a technical problem. This situation, which has been lasting for a week, raises strong concerns within civil society and among the bereaved families, already tested by the weight of mourning.
The consequences of such a breakdown are not to be taken lightly. Families must now face considerable difficulties in keeping their bodies of their own while waiting for the funeral. Some are forced to go to Bendella, a village located 37 km, to find temporary solutions, which represents an important financial and logistical burden, especially in a fragile economic context.
### An alarming situation
Huguette Pumbu, coordinator of the new civil society in Kwilu, testifies to the anxiety felt by the inhabitants. She emphasizes that the smell of decaying bodies is unbearable for both those who live near the morgue and for the families themselves. The question then arises: what is the responsibility of local authorities in the management and maintenance of essential public infrastructure, like a morgue?
At the same time, it is crucial to note that the situation is aggravated by the lack of operation of a second morgue, which has been stopped for more than six months. This observation raises questions not only on the current management of facilities, but also on the long -term planning of health services in the city.
### Calls for action and resource management
The current crisis has also highlighted deep concerns relating to public resources management. Bernadette Kindumba, also a member of civil society, arises the authorities on the use of the funds collected by the town hall for the maintenance of the morgue. The questions raised are legitimate: where do these resources go? Transparency in finance management could be an effective way to restore confidence between citizens and their representatives.
The reaction of Véronique Mukanda Kafuti, deputy mayor of the city, who ensures that work is underway for the restoration of the morgue, brings a glow of hope. However, the population hopes for rapid and effective actions. Staying calm in the face of a crisis that affects human dignity seems all the more difficult when daily reality is marked by nauseating odors and potential health risks.
### Reflection on public health
The consequences of this situation go far beyond the immediate discomfort felt by residents. The decomposition of bodies can indeed present risks to public health. Transmitted diseases, although little evoked, cannot be ignored in a context where hygiene and safety are compromised. It becomes essential to reflect on lasting solutions to ensure the management of bodies in compliance with health standards.
### to sustainable solutions
The Bandundu Morgues crisis is a call to reflect on the management of public infrastructure and the importance of public health. This also raises questions about how to guarantee the dignity of the deceased, as well as the well-being of the living. The request for a transfer of management of the morgue to the general hospital, as proposed by Huguette Pumbu, could offer a path to explore. Changing the manager may not only improve services but also strengthen responsibility for citizens.
It is important that all stakeholders, including town hall, civil society and the inhabitants, have the opportunity to meet around this crucial problem. Transparency, communication and concrete initiatives could be essential to restore confidence and adequately respond to the needs of the population.
Ultimately, the current situation of the Bandundu Morgues should not be perceived only as a crisis, but as an opportunity to reflect and improve public services. Each actor has a role to play in transforming this challenge into a positive advance towards a more robust and thoughtful public health system.