In the DRC, the Ruzizi 2 dam, supposed to supply electricity to South Kivu, North Kivu, part of Rwanda and Burundi, is struggling to maintain its capacity. In question? Plastic waste thrown into the gutters of Bukavu and which ends up in Lake Kivu, thus damaging the machines.
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With our correspondent in Bukavu, William Basimike
In a canoe, Byumanine Mubalama, cleaning employee of the Ruzizi 2 dam, circulates under the dam to collect bottles, bags or other plastic plates which hinder the proper functioning of the hydraulic infrastructure. “ It is surprising to note that the inhabitants of Bukavu, like those of Goma, throw their waste into Lake Kivu. And then they come complaining about not having enough electricity. Yet they are the root of the problem with their waste », he is indignant.
At SNEL, the national electricity company, it is explained that plastic waste obstructs the water supply and the impact of plastic on power production is therefore a significant problem. “ When the water flow is too low, the machines idle and we are forced to practically stop production to release this waste. This wastes time and productivity », explains engineer Christian Sanvura, in charge of the technical office at the hydroelectric power station. According to him, despite “ the capacity of 29 megawatts of the installation, it produces only 20 “.
Thus, for SNEL-South Kivu, it is essential that populations become aware of the waste issue and that a political commitment is put in place to reduce the importation of plastic bottles.
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