Title: Kinshasa: Overflowing septic tanks threaten the health of the population
With the arrival of the rainy season, flows of infected water from overflowing septic tanks in several neighborhoods of the DRC capital, Kinshasa, ended up escaping onto public roads, creating a nauseating odor that puts endangering the health of citizens. Although the authorities are aware of this persistent situation, they remain powerless to stem this phenomenon because it requires a high cost incurred by the inhabitants of the districts.
Worse still, the few emptying acts that have been carried out have been carried out by unscrupulous people who take advantage of the rains to empty them in the streets.
Faced with the lack of financial means for many households, appropriate emptying services belonging to the private sector are often too expensive, which makes it difficult to solicit them for the maintenance of septic tanks.
In short, it is imperative that the authorities open discussions with the various neighborhood associations on the feasibility of carrying out emptying collectively and derive benefits from the joint and sustainable management of such infrastructures.
It is essential that the population becomes more involved in order to improve its living environment and avoid dramatic consequences on health and the environment.