DR Congo: in Uvira, the lake has become a dustbin and a danger for the population

Text by: RFI Follow

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is the concern of the inhabitants of Uvira in South Kivu compared to the current state of Lake Tanganyika transformed into a trash can. The inhabitants throw rubbish in this lake for lack of public dump. A big health problem is looming.

Publicity

Our correspondent William Basimike reports to Uvira

Plastic, household or used clothing waste. Lots of garbage is piled up on the shores of Lake Tanganyika or thrown into the water, day and especially at night by local residents. The latter claim that they have no place to keep this rubbish. Testimony of Machozi, in his thirties: “ We lack a place to put the waste. A press release had been issued, asking us to drop off our rubbish each in front of the door of his house on Avenue du Rail because pick-up teams had to pass. We did it, their vehicle passed only once. After a while, the garbage started to give off unbearable odors. Reason why we pour them into the lake overnight . ”

Risk of diseases…

Overgrown with rubbish, the beaches are almost nonexistent. To take advantage of their leisure time, many residents of Uvira prefer to cross the border to the beaches of the Burundian capital, Bujumbura. A shortfall, according to Kiza Tiniko, a resident of Kavinvira: “ This is a problem! The money that the locals can pay at the beaches, and which could benefit Uvira, we consume in Burundi. In addition, there are risks of diseases like cholera and other infections . ”

The deputy mayor of Uvira, Kifara Tapenda Kiky recognizes these problems and promises that a solution is underway. " We are a new city which does not have all the means to make its policy. We have just adopted the strategic plan for the city, in which we intend to clean up all along the lake. And all of this is the consequence of previous mismanagement which we would like to change . ”

The town hall has set itself the objective of transforming Uvira into a tourist town, provided, she says, that there are the financial means.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• Ground floor
• Pollution
• Environment