14/11/2024
In cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cleanliness and pollution are critical challenges. Rapid urbanization, insufficient waste management infrastructure, and a lack of public awareness have led to significant environmental issues. In major urban centers like Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi, uncollected garbage often piles up in streets and waterways, contributing to air and water pollution. This problem is exacerbated by the inadequate infrastructure to process waste, lack of recycling facilities, and limited governmental regulation or enforcement regarding pollution controls.
The challenges of pollution are further compounded by the widespread use of informal dumpsites, illegal disposal methods, and open burning of waste. Plastic pollution is particularly severe in river systems, with plastics clogging drains and causing flooding during the rainy season. Air quality is also compromised by traffic congestion, vehicle emissions, and informal industrial activity that emits pollutants without filtration.
