Ituri: anarchic constructions in the lowlands areas, one of the factors contributing to ecosystem degradation (An NGO)

Bunia, January 26^th, 2026 (CPA).- The anarchic constructions on the riverbeds and the lowlands in Bunia, main town of Ituri province (north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo), has been identified as one of the factors contributing to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, CPA has learned on Monday from an association source. ‘The anarchic constructions on riverbeds and the lowlands are among the factors contributing to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems,’ has declared Steve Katho Grodya, coordinator of the Network of Environmental Defence and Protection Organisations in Ituri province. In addition to the accelerate degradation of aquatic ecosystems, he has explained, this practice, which violates urban planning standards, leads to recurrent flooding and landslides. « The riverbeds and the lowlands are natural areas generally located at the bottom of valleys, reserved for rainwater runoff. Building in these areas seriously disrupts the normal functioning of ecosystems. As a result, water runoff becomes rapid instead of slow, causing flash floods and significant soil loss, » he has insisted. Mr Grodya has specified that once houses are built in riverbeds and lowlands, there is no longer enough space for water to infiltrate naturally. This situation causes violent runoff, leading to the destruction of soil, infrastructure and homes, he has indicated. The coordinator of the Network of Environmental Defence and Protection Organisations in Ituri Province has also highlighted several adverse effects of anarchic constructions in these drainage areas, including the destruction of vegetation cover and significant deterioration in river water quality. In his view, the gradual degradation of ecosystems, marked by the destruction of vegetation cover, is leading to the disappearance of certain species and a significant deterioration in river water quality. In response to this situation, he has called on the authorities and the population to comply with urban planning and environmental protection standards in order to preserve river beds, lowlands, rivers and streams, which are essential to the ecological balance and safety of communities.