Tshikapa: REGIDESO restores water service to Kele hill after six-year outage

Thousands of residents in Tshikapa, Kasaï, are celebrating the restoration of potable water service to Kele hill, ending a six-year ordeal. The state water distribution company, REGIDESO, officially resumed service on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after the collapse of a bridge had severed the connection to the city center.

The return of running water brings immense relief to the populations of Mbumba and Mabondo, who had faced significant challenges in accessing this essential resource. For years, families were forced to travel long distances to fetch water from the Dibumba commune. "Now we have potable water in our commune of Mbumba. We are very happy," expressed one resident.

REGIDESO views the resumption of service as a critical step, but also a challenge. The company is actively encouraging subscribers with outstanding payments or disputes to settle their accounts to guarantee the continuity of the water supply. Provincial director Emil Lusambe urged clients to engage with REGIDESO services to find suitable solutions, stating, "The water is already available, it is up to you to come to REGIDESO. You were subscribed, if you have debts, come, we will negotiate. If you don't have the full amount, you pay a deposit and we give you water. Those who don't have connections, come and sign up for one."

This restoration of service on Kele hill is a significant milestone for the inhabitants after years of deprivation. REGIDESO has pledged to continue its efforts to improve water distribution in other neighborhoods within the Kasaï province.