DRC: The government is preparing a multi-sector plan against the recurrence of fires in large cities

President Félix Tshisekedi expressed concern about the recurrence of fires in the country's major cities, causing several material damages and loss of life, particularly in several factories, markets and food supplies. In his communication during the twentieth meeting of the Council of Ministers, he indicated that the circulation of tankers containing petroleum products or even the existence of illegal and clandestine deposits of said products were at the basis of the disasters observed in 2023 on the Rond-point Ngaba and Limete axis, at the port of Maluku in the city of Kinshasa.

According to Félix Tshisekedi, it should be noted that during these types of disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fire spreads quite quickly and causes enormous damage due to the lack of an effective fire-fighting system.

“From the above, the President of the Republic urged the VPM, Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, to expedite the implementation of a multi-sector firefighting plan involving the various stakeholders in with a view to better application of the legislation in force in the civil protection aspect The upgrading of the fire brigade through strict application of the regulations and the provision of substantial resources must be considered and also operationalize the general management. rescue and fire services whose decree has been signed since February 12, 2024 without really functioning for this public service”, reports the minutes of the meeting.

Furthermore, continues the cited source, inspection missions of vehicles, factories and other buildings must be carried out to control and raise awareness about adequate security, in accordance with the law and regulatory texts in this area. A report on the initiatives that will be taken in this regard is expected within a month.

Let us remember, the city of Bukavu in the province of South Kivu has been facing recurring fires for some time. In Kinshasa, certain fuel sales depots were at the base of the fires in the commune of Limete.

Recently, in August 2024, a huge fire ravaged the Liberty market in the eastern part of the city of Kinshasa. The sellers lost everything. Goods, stands, everything went up in smoke and Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister, was involved in relieving these populations.

Clement MUAMBA