Water shortage in Kinshasa: REGIDESO cites vandalism and climate hazards

Several communes in Kinshasa are experiencing prolonged disruptions to drinking-water supplies, with some residents waiting days or weeks for water to return. René Descartes Toko, REGIDESO’s distribution director for western Kinshasa, attributes the situation to breakdowns, heavy rains and vandalism. Rain carries sand, soil and laterite into the Lukaya River, increasing the raw water’s turbidity and making treatment more difficult. He also says rubbish dumped in drains can clog equipment, while burning waste has damaged cables, including in Bumbu, Bandalungwa and Kasa-Vubu.