armed conflict and biodiversity in sub-saharan africa: the case of the democratic republic of congo

They are home to a globally important biodiversity. The forests are crucial for the regional climate and one of the most important global carbon sinks. KfW is currently financing water supply infrastructure in 19 secondary towns of the provinces Bandundu, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Occidental and Equateur.ĭR Congo is a natural paradise: two thirds of the country's territory is covered by tropical rainforests, which are the source of more than half of Africa's fresh water. Furthermore, awareness campaigns among the population are helping to increase demand for hygienically safe drinking water. By means of training measures, the water utility is being assisted in setting up economically profitable and efficient operations. The purpose of the project is to improve the population's supply of potable water and basic sanitation. Furthermore, in the two most populous cities, Mbuji Mayi and Kikwit, first public basic sanitation measures will be implemented. Parallel to this, large-scale construction measures are being implemented to completely overhaul and expand the supply network. KfW Development Bank is supporting the water utility REGIDESO in rapidly improving the supply of drinking water: for example, new generators and water meters are being supplied, pipe leakages repaired and standpipes are set back into operation. Nonetheless, only one in every four Congolese has access to hygienically safe water, and only one in every six enjoys proper sanitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the most plentiful water supply of all African countries.

Armed conflict and biodiversity in sub-saharan africa: the case of the democratic republic of congo