The urban authority in Butembo, a city in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has encouraged local associations to invest in community works, known as "Salongo", to clean up the city's roads. This initiative aims to improve the city's infrastructure and make it more habitable for its residents. The call was made on September 25, 2026, and follows a recent example set by a group of associations that have already undertaken such work.
The mayor of Butembo, Mowa Baeki, has expressed satisfaction with the work done by some associations, particularly those involved in waste management. He noted that their efforts have been appreciable and should serve as a model for other associations in the city. Baeki emphasized that the cleanliness of the city's roads is a collective responsibility and that all associations should play a part in it.
One of the associations that has already taken up the challenge is the Association of Chauffeurs, Manutentionnaires, and Propriétaires des Bennes (Acmprobenne). According to its president, the association has been actively involved in cleaning up the Maman Musayi road in the Kambali district of the Vulamba commune. The association's motivation is to make the city's roads cleaner and more accessible to everyone.
The Acmprobenne president explained that the association's members contribute financially to purchase equipment such as shovels, hoes, and wheelbarrows to carry out the cleaning works. He stressed that the road is a vital asset for the city's residents and that its maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents. The association's efforts are part of a broader initiative to promote community involvement in urban development.
The urban authority's call for associations to invest in community works has been welcomed by many residents, who see it as a positive step towards improving the city's infrastructure. The city's vast size and population make it a challenging task, but the authority is optimistic that with the involvement of local associations, significant progress can be made.
The "Salongo" initiative is part of a larger effort to promote community development and ownership in Butembo. By involving local associations in community works, the authority aims to foster a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among residents. This approach is seen as a way to address some of the city's most pressing challenges, including infrastructure development and maintenance.
The Congolese press agency, ACP, reported that the urban authority will continue to encourage and support local associations in their community works. The authority is confident that with the collective efforts of residents and associations, Butembo can become a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous city for all its residents.
Key points
- Local associations in Butembo are being encouraged to invest in community works to improve the city's infrastructure.
