Democratic Republic of Congo - Another fire in Bukavu

19 July 2019

(ANS - Bukavu) - Another fire shook Bukavu last June 30 and, still today, the city is dealing with the damage caused by the flames.

The fire broke out around 21:00 local time on Sunday 30 June and started in a home in the neighborhood known as "Camp Zaire", which is part of the parish territory. The fire soon spread from one house to another and, as usual, people tried to limit the damage. Many fled their homes and had to spend the night outside. On the morning of 1 July, the smoke could still be seen: the severity of the fire was striking.

"In our city, fires are unfortunately frequent and have different causes," explained Fr Piero Gavioli, a Salesian missionary in the country. "At the root of these inconveniences, there is a long series of irresponsibility and bad governance often denounced by our bishops: lack of control, neglect, corruption, impunity," he continued.

In fact, only 10 months ago, another devastating fire started in Bukavu, causing casualties and destroying many homes. This new fire, as Fr Gavioli explains, has also destroyed a dozen houses of "Mothers Courage", supported by the Don Bosco Center.

For this reason, Fr Piero Gavioli, together with Bienvenu Karume, social worker of the Don Bosco Center, have returned to ask for help for families affected by the fire.

"I therefore appeal to your solidarity," writes Fr Piero. "Any offer, even if it seems small, is precious. It can help a child, a family. We will again use the money we will receive to pay school fees for children whose families have lost their homes, clothes, school objects and all their belongings in this fire."

The proceeds of the offers, in fact, will not be used to rebuild the houses. After the first fire, the Salesians, in collaboration with the diocesan Caritas and the parish of Nguba, used the money to pay school fees for the year 2018-19 for about 160 pupils of the families affected and, this time, the purpose is the same. The reason they don't want to rebuild their homes is simple: they would be built in the same way and could catch fire and burn again at any time.

The Don Bosco Center has also signed a collaboration agreement with the local NGO CCF (Célébrons le Courage des Femmes), which aims to improve socio-economic living conditions. The head of the CCF, who is part of the Salesian Youth Movement, aims to raise awareness among women in the affected neighborhoods. In fact, women play a fundamental role in economic and social life.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".