A surge of plastic waste is clogging the Ruzizi hydroelectric dam in eastern Congo, leading to frequent power outages across major cities and impacting local livelihoods. The dam, which lies at the southern tip of Lake Kivu bordering Rwanda, is a primary power source for Bukavu and surrounding areas.
The crisis stems from increased plastic usage and inadequate waste management in the region. Torrential rainfall sweeps debris from the surrounding mountains into the lake, where it accumulates and obstructs the dam’s operations.
“This waste essentially blocks the water flow, hindering the pressure and velocity needed to power the turbines,” explained Ljovy Mulemangabo, provincial director of the national power company SNEL.
Daily efforts to clear plastic bottles, containers, and other debris are ongoing, yet the waste pile-up continues to disrupt the dam’s machinery, causing prolonged outages.
Didier Kabi, provincial minister for the environment and green economy, believes that mandating household waste collection could mitigate the problem. “Encouraging residents to manage their waste could prevent it from reaching the lake,” he told Reuters.
Surface-level clean-ups alone are insufficient, as waste has accumulated up to 14 meters deep, requiring divers to prevent the turbines from becoming clogged.
Alex Mbilizi, a local metalworker, highlighted the impact: “Power shortages are delaying our work, putting pressure on us from our employers.”
Local authorities are now racing to find sustainable solutions to tackle this pressing issue.