COVID-19: DR Congo pledges free water, electricity

KAMPALA, Uganda The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will provide free water and electricity across the country for the next two months, officials said. “The measure is taken in order to reduce household expenses during this COVID-19 period,” said Papy Pungu, the deputy minister of hydraulic resources and electricity. The National Electricity Company (SNEL) and water supply company Regie de Distribution d'Eau (REGIDESO) have confirmed that they met with government officials and agreed to the suggestion of providing free water and electricity across the country for the next two months. Clement Mubiayi, the chief executive officer of REGIDESO, said: "We will do everything possible to supply water and electricity for free since the government has promised to compensate us." Jean-Bosco Kayombo, the CEO of SNEL, said among the beneficiaries of free water and electricity are households and small and medium-sized enterprises hit by the measures taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Pecos Alube, a trader in Ituri province, said he is pleased by the government’s decision. “The government’s move indicates that it cares for its people in these times when many people are no longer working due to the coronavirus scare,” Alube said.