The avenue Lisala in Kasa-Vubu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has become a challenging place to live. For eleven months, residents have been witnessing the deterioration of the road leading to the Gambela direction. The once-functional drainage system is now clogged, and the road is cracked, with a large crevasse transformed into a body of water. This situation causes rainwater to enter homes, flood businesses, and sometimes sweep away the results of days of work.
The scene on the ground is disheartening, with muddy waters occupying a significant part of the road. Pedestrians are desperately searching for a passage, while motorcyclists attempt to navigate through the water and obstacles. The crevasse alongside the road resembles a small river rather than a thoroughfare. Residents move cautiously, risking slipping or falling into the stagnant water. Beyond the degraded road, lives are disrupted, businesses are struggling, and families are uncertain about protecting their property when it rains.
For Virginie, a local vendor, the situation has become unbearable. Every time it rains, anxiety grips the traders. Water floods shops, stores, and small businesses, leaving damaged goods and substantial losses behind. "We don't understand if we are in Kinshasa. We have deputies who represent us; they often pass here and see the state of this road. It's regrettable," she laments. Her words express a sentiment of abandonment. Residents are not demanding special treatment but a passable road, maintained drainage, and an environment where their activities can survive bad weather.
Patrick, a local entrepreneur, shares this distress. His concerns go beyond the road's condition, as homes and family property are constantly threatened. "If it rains and we're not here, we face enormous damage. Our homes are increasingly flooded," he testifies. This anxiety summarizes the daily life of many residents, who have to monitor the sky and their homes. The situation highlights the struggles faced by those living along Lisala Avenue.
The state of the road not only causes flooding and material losses but also exposes users to insecurity. Motorcyclists, particularly vulnerable when water floods the road, report being targeted by criminals who take advantage of these conditions to steal their bikes. Papa Jean-Pierre claims to have been a victim of three motorbike thefts. For him, using this avenue after 7 pm is now a genuine danger. "This road is exhausting. Beyond the floods, there's a significant security problem. I've been a victim of motorbike theft three times. By 7 pm, you can't use this road; you'll leave everything behind," he says bitterly.
Jean-Pierre's testimony is chilling when he describes the modus operandi of the aggressors. "They'll push you to fall into the water, then beat you up, and others will take advantage of it to steal your motorbike." Thus, on this avenue, water not only threatens homes and businesses but also seems to provide a favorable terrain for criminals, at the expense of those who must use this route to earn a living. The situation has become a source of concern for residents and authorities alike.
The residents of Lisala Avenue are not asking for the impossible. They want to be able to move around, work, and sleep without fearing that the next rain will turn their daily lives into a nightmare. They are now awaiting urgent intervention from the competent authorities, particularly for the clearing of clogged drains and the rehabilitation of this road.
Key points
- Eleven months of road degradation have caused significant challenges for residents, including flooded businesses, damaged homes, and motorbike thefts.
- Residents are calling for urgent intervention from authorities to address the road's condition and prevent further damage.
- The situation on Lisala Avenue highlights the need for improved infrastructure and maintenance to prevent such challenges in the future.
