Congo Water Crisis

Everyday 51 million congolese use the rivers for defecation as well as for drinking fishing bathing washing clothing and other daily activities.

Congo water crisis. The congo crisis french. Although the drc has an abundance of freshwater sources pollution and accessibility are major issues in the country. Contaminated water causes diseases that can cause death. Congo river source of drinking water but also threat to public health although the democratic republic of the congo drc has africa s largest freshwater resources it is suffering from an acute drinking water supply crisis.

The crisis began almost immediately after the congo became independent from belgium and ended unofficially with the entire country under the rule of joseph désiré mobutu. Overview the democratic republic of the congo drc the second largest country in africa is endowed with large quantities of freshwater. In the democratic republic of congo 80 of rural drc residents lack adequate sanitary facilities. Read on to learn more about the crisis in drc and find out how we re helping families survive and build stronger futures.

The democratic republic of congo also known as drc or simply congo is by all measures one of the poorest countries in the world. Economic growth is negative in real terms which limits the government s basic infrastructure investments and maintenance. Only 46 percent of the population has access to clean and safe drinking water. Water quality in the democratic republic of the congo is in need of improvement.

Crise congolaise was a period of political upheaval and conflict in the republic of the congo today the democratic republic of the congo between 1960 and 1965. The country is currently experiencing the largest displacement crisis in africa. The democratic republic of congo drc is a country rich in resources yet fraught with conflict and violence. After the war water became an increasingly sparse resource due to the collapse of the drc s infrastructure during the fighting.

Although the drc use to be one of the wettest nations in africa today the majority of rural congolese do not have access to sanitary water because of the lack of infrastructure. The congo water crisis is a vicious cycle. The democratic republic of congo drc has over 50 of the african continent s water reserves but despite this tremendous potential 33 million people in rural areas still lack access to quality water. Many of its people have not seen peace in more than 20 years.

Despite sustained efforts only 52 of the population has access to an improved water source and 29 has improved sanitation facilities. However water security is low because of economic and governance constraints.