DR Congo, Kinshasa: millions have access to potable water because of unofficial distributors

October 26, 2009 · Leave a Comment

A World Bank study revealed that only 22% of the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo has access to potable water, although the picture is brighter in the capital, Kinshasa, where 41.5% of residents have water service. Serge Ikamba, former counselor in charge of infrastructure for the Ministry of Public Health, blamed the shortage upon antiquated water networks, most dating back to colonial days 50 or 60 years ago. Failing a reliable water supply from the state-run REGIDESO utility, most people fall back upon private vendors. In Kinshasa, these consist of thousands of small boys who sell half-liter plastic bags in the streets for 50 francs apiece. [Global Water News WatchSummary by Louise Shaler, 12 Oct 2009]

Source: Emmanuel Chaco, IPS [in French], 12 Oct 2009