DRC: after the pollution of rivers in the South, Parliament is worried about the consequences

The seat of the Congolese Parliament in Kinshasa in the DRC (illustration).

radiookapi.net

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

This week, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Environment and Sustainable Development must explain herself to the National Assembly.

Ève Bazaïba must not only present the level of current knowledge on the origin and extent of this pollution, but also the actions carried out and envisaged by the government.

Advertising

Read more

With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

Patient Ligodi

At the end of July, the Tshikapa, Kasai, Fimi and Kwilu rivers turned reddish.

Fish and hippos were found dead there.

According to the authorities, this pollution is due to the activity of a diamond mine in Angola from which the Tshikapa originates. 

After the

toxic substance spill

, many questions remain.

Parliamentarians are worried.

The deputies who are members of the environment committee of the lower house of Parliament have sent letters to the government.

According to Dhédhé Mupasa, rapporteur of the committee, they hope to obtain answers during the hearing of Eve Bazaïba, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the environment on Tuesday.

“

We fear the occurrence of epidemics.

These rivers cross the provinces of Kasai, Kwilu or Mai Ndombe.

Kinshasa is not spared.

What is the nature of this toxic material?

What is its toxicity?

What are the consequences for the human body?

What about biodiversity?

"

Two million people at risk of pollution

According to the government, the first samples taken are being examined.

And

humanitarian

and diplomatic

missions

will be deployed this week, says Deputy Prime Minister Ève Bazaïba.

“

For Angola, there is me and the colleague from Foreign Affairs.

It is a joint mission, with Angolan experts.

Everything is almost ready, we are waiting for the composition of the Angolan team.

For the humanitarian mission, there are four ministries that are involved.

It will be a mission beyond humanitarian aid.

We do not know how long the population will be deprived of access to rivers.

 "

The Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center has sounded the alarm.

Two million people would be exposed to the risk of pollution.

Newsletter

Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

• DRC