In Kinshasa, within the commune of Ngaliema, numerous gutters have been turned into public dumpsites, according to observations made by Radio Okapi on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The accumulation of household waste, such as plastics and food scraps, obstructs the drainage of rainwater, thereby increasing the risks of flooding and disease. Residents denounce the lack of civic responsibility among some citizens and are calling on the State to fulfill its responsibilities to protect the population. Facing this growing unsanitary conditions, Francis Kambala, from the sanitation brigade, emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Authorities are now planning stricter punitive measures against offenders, going beyond simple fines to ensure compliance with sanitation rules and to guarantee urban cleanliness in the Congolese capital.