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By Patrick Mapenzi
Faced with the persistent threat of rising water levels and landslides, Songo neighbourhood, in the city of Uvira, South Kivu Province, is opting for a green response. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Ubuntu Grands Lacs non-profit organisation, through its Club of Girls and Women Friends of Environmental Protection and Flood Risk Management, launched a major initiative. No fewer than 1,500 eucalyptus seedlings were planted along the Nyarumanga stream to stabilise the soil and help prevent flooding.
A mobilisation driven by women’s leadership
Supported by the Congolese Women’s Fund (FFC) through the project entitled “Women’s Resilience in the Face of Flooding in the City of Uvira,” this initiative demonstrates a reality on the ground: women are not merely victims of climate crises; they are also key architects of solutions.
“This action aims to contribute to the fight against flooding, soil erosion and the effects of climate change, while strengthening the resilience of local communities to disaster risks,” explained Neema Rachel, Project Officer.
Beyond the tree-planting exercise, the initiative sent a strong message to the residents of Songo: protecting human lives inevitably requires safeguarding the riverside ecosystem. By stabilising the banks of the Nyarumanga stream, these women are laying the foundations for a natural protective barrier against destructive overflows.
Towards a comprehensive vision of urban safety
Although this reforestation campaign represents a crucial milestone, local stakeholders emphasise that the challenges facing Uvira require a multidimensional strategy. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the community and other stakeholders are calling for:
- The development and clearing of urban drainage systems.
- Strict protection of riverbanks against unauthorised construction.
- Ongoing public awareness campaigns on waste management and the occupation of high-risk areas.
Protecting the environment today means securing tomorrow’s future. In Songo neighbourhood, resilience is taking root, one tree at a time, serving as a reminder that ensuring Uvira’s safety is everyone’s responsibility.
