The Tshangu district in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a resurgence of unsanitary conditions, despite recent efforts by the National Service (SN) to clean up the area. According to reports from La Tempête des tropiques, makeshift markets have reappeared along the Lumumba Boulevard, specifically on the Matete – Kingasani ya Suka axis, with vendors selling goods on the sidewalk and in public spaces. This has resulted in the area being littered with plastic bags, bottles, household waste, and other types of debris.
The SN, comprised of young builders from Kaniama-Kasese, was deployed to Kinshasa to clean up the city's environment. They successfully cleaned several major roads and intersections in a short period. However, their efforts in Tshangu were short-lived, as the district has reverted to its previous unsanitary state once the SN team was relocated. The situation has raised concerns that Tshangu may become overwhelmed with waste again if no action is taken to discourage the behavior of its residents.
The SN's operation to clean up Kinshasa has not received visible support from the city's authorities. To achieve lasting results, it is essential to encourage residents of Tshangu to adopt good habits regarding environmental protection and maintain clean public spaces. This battle cannot be won without the genuine involvement of the national police, which seems to be turning a blind eye to the situation. Many makeshift markets in Tshangu operate near police stations, raising questions about the police's role in enforcing regulations.
Tshangu is a significant district in Kinshasa, hosting the Ndjili International Airport. As a major entry point to the city, it is essential that the district presents a positive image to tourists and passengers arriving in Kinshasa for the first time. The current state of unsanitary conditions in Tshangu undermines these efforts and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue.
Residents of Tshangu, particularly those living in the district, seem to be resistant to efforts to promote cleanliness and hygiene. The situation has been described as a case of "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose" (the more things change, the more they remain the same), suggesting that deep-seated attitudes and behaviors need to be addressed.
The return of makeshift markets and waste in Tshangu has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the SN's efforts and the role of local authorities in maintaining public spaces. To prevent Tshangu from becoming overwhelmed with waste, it is crucial that a collaborative approach is adopted, involving the SN, local authorities, and the police.
Ultimately, the issue of unsanitary conditions in Tshangu requires a sustained and multi-faceted approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the problem. This includes not only cleaning up the area but also promoting education and awareness about the importance of environmental protection and encouraging residents to take ownership of maintaining clean public spaces.
Key points
- The Tshangu district in Kinshasa has regressed into unsanitary conditions, with makeshift markets and waste reappearing despite efforts by the National Service to clean up the area.
- The situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the SN's efforts and the role of local authorities in maintaining public spaces.
- A collaborative approach involving the SN, local authorities, and the police is necessary to address the issue and prevent Tshangu from becoming overwhelmed with waste.
