Kananga communities train to halt erosion

Residents in Kananga, near erosion-prone areas, are learning to combat the environmental threat through the Urban Emergency and Resilience Project (PURUK). A two-day training workshop concluded recently, gathering 187 delegates from 27 city neighborhoods. The initiative aims to empower communities to prevent environmental risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of anti-erosion efforts.

Project officials stressed the importance of preparing residents to act as soon as the first fissures or gullies appear. This community empowerment approach is crucial for maintaining environmental protection actions, especially as the PURUK project is scheduled to end in late 2028. Jean-Michel Bungu, the project coordinator, highlighted that with over 800 erosion sites identified in Kananga, local resident involvement is the only effective defense against new urban disasters.

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This training helps us act upstream, to do what's necessary to prevent simple ditches from becoming giant ravins that destroy our homes.

Participants reported acquiring technical methods to halt land erosion. However, community leaders are requesting logistical support and essential construction tools from authorities to translate this knowledge into practice. Residents from Malandji and Mabondo neighborhoods expressed satisfaction, noting the training helps them act proactively. "This training helps us act upstream, to do what's necessary to prevent simple ditches from becoming giant ravins that destroy our homes," said Benoît Mutombo. Victor Mulamba added, "With the technical knowledge received, even if the PURUK project stopped today, we would now be able to ensure the sustainability of the structures and protect our neighborhoods."

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With the technical knowledge received, even if the PURUK project stopped today, we would now be able to ensure the sustainability of the structures and protect our neighborhoods.