### Kinshasa: floods and political response, a call for collective responsibility
Monday, April 7, a new episode of torrential rains struck the town of Kalamu in Kinshasa, leaving behind at least 1050 victims on the relocation site of May 20. While the Congolese government, under the direction of Félix Tshisekedi, reacts with promises of help and support, it is imperative to look at the real roots of this crisis.
### a crisis announced
The floods in Kinshasa are not an isolated phenomenon but rather the result of a series of political, economic and environmental choices that have taken place over the decades. Deforestation, uncontrolled urbanization and the absence of adequate drainage systems are largely responsible for the growing vulnerability of the Congolese capital in the face of climatic extremes. A study carried out by the climate observatory in Kinshasa estimates that economic losses due to floods could reach up to 4% of annual GDP by 2030 if no significant action is undertaken.
### The intervention of Félix Tshisekedi: a first step or yet another promise?
The visit of the head of state, Félix Tshisekedi, on the victims site was applauded by some as proof of presidential empathy. However, it is essential not to stop in emotion but to analyze the scope of his speech. Speaking to the victims, Tshisekedi highlighted the importance of garbage management, pointing to an often overlooked reality in public debate: the direct impact of our environment on the environment.
“You should know that the garbage is not thrown everywhere,” he said, stating a fundamental truth about civic behavior in a city where many citizens still consider public spaces like dumps. The previous sanitation campaigns have failed. This raises the question: how to really encourage the population to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly behavior?
#### Comparison with other major cities
As a comparison, other major cities in the world, such as São Paulo in Brazil and Jakarta in Indonesia, have also experienced similar flood attacks. However, these metropolises have implemented sustainable town planning policies and green infrastructure to mix the effects of bad weather. Kinshasa, with the economic potential it represents, must also consider sustainable solutions that integrate awareness of the environment, the education of citizens and a unified governance capable of acting up to the issues.
#### The role of the community and NGOs
It is crucial that community actors and NGOs are involved in the management of this crisis. Their experience and their knowledge of the field can help to design solutions adapted to local realities. For example, community cleaning initiatives have shown their effectiveness in the past, significantly reducing flood risks when residents are directly involved.
In addition, these organizations can serve as a bridge between the authorities and the population. They can facilitate dialogue and contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by victims, such as access to essential resources, temporary accommodation and food assistance.
#### Conclusion: Towards a shared responsibility
The flood crisis in Kinshasa highlights not only the gaps in public policy in terms of natural disasters management, but it also calls for a deep cultural change. It is necessary to go from a reactive approach to a preventive and proactive approach in the management of urban resources.
The survival of the citizens of Kinshasa in the face of climatic vagaries depends not only on the commitment of the government and the institutions, but also on the involvement of each member of the community. The question is not only to know if the government can lead the initiative but how citizens can become active actors in the construction of a more resilient city, thus offering an environment where everyone can prosper in dignity.
For this tragic but revealing event to be a simple note at the bottom of the page in the history of Kinshasa, it is imperative to consider this moment as an opportunity for collective transformation. It is by working together, in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility, that Kinshasa will be able to better prepare the future that awaits him.