Title: The challenges of the fire services in Kinshasa: a critical situation which endangers the safety of the population
Introduction :
Fires are unfortunately common in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the existence of a fire brigade, the city faces many challenges in fighting fires. This article highlights the main difficulties facing the fire services in Kinshasa and the dramatic consequences this has for the safety of the population.
Poorly equipped and demotivated fire services:
The serious fires that occurred in different places in Kinshasa revealed the helplessness of the fire services. They face a lack of adequate equipment, such as fire-fighting vehicles, protective suits and boots. Additionally, many firefighters are demotivated due to persistent salary delays. This situation seriously compromises their ability to intervene effectively in the event of a fire.
Mobility and access to water problems:
The Kinshasa fire brigade is faced with mobility problems, which does not allow it to arrive quickly at the scene of disasters. In addition, when they manage to get to the scene, firefighters often find themselves short of water due to the low capacity of their tankers and the absence of fire hydrants in sites located outside of the commune of Gombe. Even in areas where fire hydrants are present, many are “clogged” or disconnected from the water supply.
The absence of a fire policy:
It is striking to note the absence of an effective fire policy in Kinshasa. Despite announcements of measures to care for disaster victims and the construction of new security infrastructure, little concrete progress has been made. The city lacks planning standards and strict fire prevention regulations. In addition, urban markets, which represent a high risk of fires, are often located in the streets without any real guarantee of safety for the occupants and their property.
Conclusion :
The situation of the fire services in Kinshasa is critical and endangers the safety of the population. It is urgent to take measures to equip and motivate firefighters, improve the mobility of intervention teams and guarantee accessibility to water to effectively fight fires. In addition, it is essential to have a solid fire policy in place, including strict planning standards and appropriate prevention measures, to prevent disasters and ensure the safety of city residents.