Plastic waste: a brake on electricity production in eastern DRC
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the province of South Kivu, the accumulation of plastic waste is threatening the functioning of the electrical infrastructure. The Ruzizi 1 hydroelectric power plant, the main source of power for the eastern part of the country and its neighboring regions, is facing major disruptions due to mountains of debris washed away by seasonal rains.
The rainy season, an aggravating factor for the Ruzizi power plant
The rainy season marks the beginning of the massive influx of waste into the Ruzizi power plant facilities, located below Bukavu. According to Jovy Mulemangabo, director of the National Electricity Company (Snel) for South Kivu, the heavy rains cause a large quantity of plastic and other waste to accumulate in the gutters, which are dumped into Lake Kivu before ending up in the hydroelectric infrastructures.
Impact of waste on electricity production and distribution
The Ruzizi dam is particularly vulnerable to this pollution, which, by clogging its turbines, drastically reduces the power plant’s production capacity. For several days, the plant has been forced to operate at half its capacity, producing only 10 MW instead of the usual 20 MW. Two of the four turbines, vital for supplying the provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, and even neighboring Burundi, are currently shut down, depriving these regions of an essential source of energy.
Conclusion
The problem of plastic waste in Lake Kivu highlights the urgent need for rigorous waste management to ensure the continuity of essential public services, such as electricity production. Without effective clean-up and prevention actions, the situation could worsen, impacting thousands of households and undermining the economic development of the entire region.
