BUKAVU, Nov. 18 (AGCNewsNet) – The Ruzizi hydroelectric dam in eastern Congo is grappling with a surge of plastic waste that clogs its machinery, leading to frequent power outages in cities like Bukavu and disrupting businesses reliant on stable electricity. 

The dam, situated at the southern end of Lake Kivu on the border with Rwanda, is vital to the region’s power supply. However, mounting plastic waste, compounded by inadequate waste management systems and heavy rains, is obstructing water flow needed for the turbines to function efficiently. 

“This waste effectively blocks the water, making it difficult to achieve the pressure and speed required for the machines,” said Ljovy Mulemangabo, provincial director of the national power company, SNEL. 

Each day, workers attempt to clear the dam of plastic bottles, jerry cans, and debris, but the waste quickly reaccumulates, exacerbating the outages. The plastic problem extends beneath the surface, with waste piling up to depths of 14 meters, necessitating divers to remove blockages near the turbines. 

Didier Kabi, provincial minister of environment and green economy, has proposed mandatory household participation in waste collection programs to curb the flow of plastic into the lake. 

“This will help ensure that everyone manages their own waste at the household level,” he told reporters. 

For local residents like Alex Mbilizi, a metalworker in Bukavu, the situation is dire. “Our bosses are pressing us because of delays in completing their orders, and we don’t know what to do,” he lamented. 

As authorities seek sustainable waste management solutions, the crisis highlights the environmental and economic challenges posed by rising plastic pollution in the region.