The Games of La Francophonie in the DRC: an opportunity for sustainable development
The Francophonie Games are a major international event that brings together 88 French-speaking countries from around the world. This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been chosen to host the ninth edition of this sporting and cultural event. John Katumba, tourism expert and supervisor of the “Sustainable Development and Tourism” Commission at the National Games Committee, explains that the stakes of the Games go beyond the event itself. According to him, the organizing country must work on the anchoring of sustainable development after the Games, so that this event can bring a real economic and social impact.
In an interview with CONGOPROFOND.NET, John Katumba stresses the importance of implementing concrete measures to ensure sustainable development during the Games of La Francophonie. It highlights several projects aimed at promoting sanitation, cleaning, education in eco-citizenship, as well as the promotion of tourism in tourist sites around Kinshasa. The objective is to make the Francophonie Games an event that respects the environment and benefits the local population.
During the Games, John Katumba and his team endeavored to guarantee a clean environment by tracking down visible waste and ensuring that the sanitary facilities in the stadiums were of high quality. This desire to achieve the “Zero Visible Waste Objective” reassured participants and spectators, creating a pleasant experience for all.
However, John Katumba thinks that it is necessary to set up a team of experts after the Games to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructures and to maintain international standards. It raises questions about the use of infrastructure after the event and calls for strategic thinking about its future use. He warns against the risk of letting these infrastructures become unused “white elephants”, and hopes that the team of experts can advise the Head of State on the best alternatives for developing these infrastructures.
In conclusion, the Francophonie Games in the DRC are a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development, tourism and the development of the local population. It is essential to plan ahead and put in place concrete measures to maximize the positive effects of this event. With a clear strategy and a team of competent experts, the Games of La Francophonie can truly mark a turning point in the development of the country, leaving a lasting and beneficial legacy for all