Kinshasa Market Vendors Dismantle Stalls Ahead of Demolition

In Kinshasa's Ngaliema commune, vendors at the Sakombi market are preemptively dismantling their stalls along Mbeseke Avenue. This action comes as a sanitation brigade from the National Service announced plans to demolish illegal constructions this week. Traders are scrambling to retrieve their merchandise and belongings before authorities intervene.

The brigade has been clearing out what it deems anarchic constructions in various communes across the capital for months. This latest announcement has caused anxiety among small traders, particularly with the school year set to begin on September 2. Many fear losing their primary source of income just as they need to prepare for their children's education.

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The school year is not far off. For now, I haven't done anything yet. I'm still struggling to get something together to organize the school year for my children.

"The school year is not far off. For now, I haven't done anything yet. I'm still struggling to get something together to organize the school year for my children," one anonymous vendor shared. Faced with the demolition notice, many have taken the initiative to dismantle their kiosks and secure their goods.

Despite the concerns, some residents and market occupants recognize the necessity of improving the market's sanitation. Lokete Anderson, a money changer at Sakombi market, stated he dismantled his stall after being warned, citing "too much dirt and foul odors here." Éléphant Nzevu, president of the Sakombi motorcyclists' association, also supports the authorities' intervention, believing order needs to be restored. Both traders and residents hope the sanitation efforts will be sustained to prevent the market and its surroundings from deteriorating again.

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There is too much dirt here and foul odors.