The Young Water and Sanitation Professional (YWSP) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Chapter has been actively involved in initiating, organizing, and funding water and sanitation Activities to make a positive impact in their community. They have organized five main Activities since the beginning of the year 2024, aiming to demonstrate their commitment to the objectives and goals of the African Water and Sanitation Association by fostering the Protection of the environment and water resources.

The YWSP gathered more than 100 youths during five consecutive sanitation activities from March to July 2024. These activities focused on collecting plastic waste from lake Kivu to combat pollution, allow the lake's ecosystem to thrive, and promote economic Growth by supporting fish production.

On the occasion of the celebration of international water day organized on march 22^nd Every year, the YWSP organized a sanitation activity on lake Kivu on march 23rd, 2024, in collaboration with stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector of the DRC in Bukavu. These stakeholders included EKOY MAJI, a private water company, the Lions Club, Fishermen, Students’ environmental clubs, and Independent Water Resources Activists. This initiative Aimed not only to promote the preservation of water and the environment but also to Strengthen peaceful cooperation between the DRC and its neighboring countries with which Lake Kivu is shared. More than 100 participants came together to collect waste around lake Kivu, focusing on raising awareness about the importance of preserving this vital resource. Equipped with gloves, masks, and bags, the participants combed the shores of lake Kivu and even went out onto the lake aboard canoes, collecting over 5 ton of plastic waste.  

“The impact of these activities on lake Kivu is indisputable and very beneficial to the growth of Fish. People living around the lake were sensitized not to litter and joined the participants in cleaning the lake. We embarked on a great initiative to promote the protection of our water resources, despite facing significant challenges during its execution. While removing plastic waste from the lake was important, we also recognized the need to understand how to properly manage it. As young people, we understood the importance of capacity building to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for reusing and recycling plastic waste. We also realized the importance of implementing a system to prevent waste from reaching the lake in the first place. This Includes establishing a network of organic and plastic waste bins in public areas, markets, and homes to address the issue at its source. The YWSP DRC chapter needs support to achieve Its goals. Additionally, investing in recycling industries that could utilize the collected Waste would give it value and reduce the amount of waste being discarded”, said Serges Bashonga, the president of the chapiter.

In addition to contributing to the long-term protection of the environment, the participants demonstrated their commitment to the protection of the environment and sustainable Development. They resolved to organize such sanitation activities every last Saturday of the month on the shores of lake Kivu.