Sanitation of Kinshasa presented as a collective responsibility

Kinshasa, March 22^nd, 2026 (CPA) – The sanitation of the city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was presented as a collective responsibility during a clean-up and drainage clearing activity organized Sunday by a youth association. “The sanitation of Kinshasa is a collective responsibility. As conscious and committed youth, we have refused to remain idle in the face of the unsanitary conditions affecting our city. Kinshasa is our city, our living environment, and it is up to us to take care of it,” said Fiston Mutombo, national coordinator of the NGO “Elenge lamuka na pongi.” (Stand up Youngman) “Certainly, the State has obligations, but we as citizens also have duties. We cannot expect everything from the authorities while our environment deteriorates day by day,” he added. On this occasion, Mr. Mutombo called on Congolese youth, particularly those in Kinshasa, to become aware of their future. “We call on all young people: let us wake up from our slumber and become aware of our future. The change we want to see begins with ourselves,” he said. “Today, we are acting with our own means despite the difficulties. That is why we also call on all people of goodwill who wish to support us in achieving our objectives,” he stated, before appealing for government support to sustain and expand sanitation activities across the city. “We also invite the Government, where possible, to support us in scaling up these actions to reach all corners of the city. Together, let us make Kinshasa a clean, dignified and pleasant city to live in,” he urged. He noted that the future of this capital of Rumba depends on the commitment and decisions that young people will make starting today.