DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฉ DR Congo /Culture & Society

Modern morgue with over 200-place capacity inaugurated in Kolwezi

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Kolwezi, in the Lualaba province, has inaugurated a modern morgue with a capacity for over 200 bodies.
  • The facility includes administrative buildings, a chapel, a VIP room, and a computerized control system for temperature monitoring.
  • The mayor stated the morgue will provide dignified burial services and better conditions for grieving families.

The city of Kolwezi, located in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has officially opened a new, modern morgue. This facility boasts a capacity to hold over 200 bodies, marking a significant development as it is the first of its kind in the Greater Katanga region.

The new complex, situated near the city center on the grounds of the New Sapin cemetery, is equipped with advanced features. It includes administrative offices, a chapel for services, and a VIP room for funeral ceremonies. A computerized control system continuously monitors the temperature within the morgue and automatically triggers an alarm if any technical issues arise. The mortuary chambers are powered by an autonomous solar energy system and come with specialized stretchers for transporting bodies to the refrigeration units.

Mayor Jacques Masengo Kindele highlighted the importance of this new infrastructure, stating it will ensure dignified burials and provide improved conditions for bereaved families. He expressed that having such a facility would bring honor to Kolwezi on a global scale. The cemetery section of the complex is also prepared, with vaults ready to receive the deceased.

The mortuary complex is expected to open to the public soon, offering a much-needed modern service for the community. This development addresses a long-standing need for adequate and dignified facilities for the departed and their families in Kolwezi.

The population of Kolwezi will find a dignified and modern place of burial for eternal rest. If we have places like this to bury our dead, we will be honored even by the whole world.

โ€” Jacques Masengo KindeleThe mayor of Kolwezi, speaking about the significance of the new modern morgue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.