Heavy rains in Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have caused significant damage to both property and human lives. National deputy Christian Mwando Nsimba Kabulo painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground during a plenary session by delivering an alarming report. “I rise to sound the alarm on behalf of the people of Kalemie who are devastated following the floods triggered by torrential rains starting on Sunday, May 4 and ending yesterday, Tuesday, May 6. These rains led to rising waters, resulting in river and lake overflow, leading to loss of life, destruction of homes, road closures, school and health facility collapses, and mass displacement of people who are currently homeless,” stated the Moba representative from Tanganyika in his report.
The count of human losses is still ongoing by provincial authorities, with catastrophic material losses already exceeding 1800 households left homeless. The main paved road, Boulevard Lumumba, is submerged and practically cut off, and the key bridges on the Lukuga and Lubuye rivers connecting the city to the airport are at risk of collapsing. More than 17 major schools have been destroyed or severely damaged, jeopardizing the conclusion of the school year for thousands of students. In response to this critical situation, the leader of the parliamentary group for Ensemble pour la République called on the government to declare a humanitarian emergency in Kalemie and urgently address the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, especially to save the students’ academic year.
“The current situation in Kalemie is critical, affecting the lives of our brothers and sisters, education, health, security, economy, and mobility of our fellow citizens. It is urgent for the government to declare a humanitarian emergency in Kalemie, provide assistance to affected families, expedite the rehabilitation of essential community infrastructure, and take steps to save the academic year for students who have lost their schools,” appealed former Minister of State, Minister of Planning Christian Mwando Nsimba.
He emphasized the need for the government to act on behalf of all populations across the country, not just focusing on the capital city of Kinshasa. “We expect the government to extend its compassion to the people in our country’s interior because it is not only the government of Kinshasa and its surroundings,” urged the Ensemble member of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe. In response, the President of the National Assembly acknowledged the recommendations and promised to relay them to the government for urgent solutions.
“Thank you, Honorable Mwando Nsimba Christian, we would appreciate a copy of your report to facilitate the transmission of your recommendations to the government. Kalemie has faced similar challenges before, and I wonder what permanent solutions the experts should consider. The damages seem incredible, affecting even the runway and health center. Dear colleague, please convey our sympathy to the people of Kalemie, and we look forward to your report to address these humanitarian issues,” responded Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly.
Following Kinshasa, the port city of Kalemie in Tanganyika province is once again threatened by floods and heavy rains. Local stakeholders warn that without immediate action, this situation could also impact other territories in the province.
