In Kinshasa (DR Congo), several neighbourhoods are struggling with severe erosion and flooding after heavy rainfall. The situation is particularly dire in Livulu, where a landslide killed dozens of people in 2019. To tackle this problem, the Kikesa project was set up, a collaboration between the Association Internationale pour le soutien du Centre Kikesa (AICPKK), the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), KU Leuven – AFD and various international partners.
The project focuses on sustainable rainwater management and ravine restoration. Specifically, this includes collecting rainwater via cisterns, constructing underground drainage tunnels and buffers, building a concrete collection pit and planting vegetation to prevent erosion. In addition, work is being done on community building, raising awareness and searching for sustainable alternatives to waste dumping in ravines.
Tom D’Haeyer supports this project as a technical advisor for Antea Group/Friends of Mbala-Mbala. This includes advice on hydrological calculations (Antea Group), the choice of materials and techniques, and the sustainable design of water drainage and ravine restoration. In this way, we are helping to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable neighbourhoods in Kinshasa and to build local knowledge and capacity.