Mandatory $20–$25 Monthly Sanitation Tax Sparks Reactions in Kolwezi

The Kolwezi city government in Lualaba province is requiring every household to pay a monthly sanitation and waste-collection tax of $20 to $25 under a public-private partnership. A municipal order made public on October 17 also instructs residents to put their waste in bags or bins for collection by sanitation workers. Residents have questioned the cost and mandatory nature of the tax, calling for public bins, coverage across all neighborhoods and a gradual rollout. Others argue sanitation should be funded by public authorities and note that households have different financial means.