These families, who suffered severe losses, say they feel neglected by the authorities. Residents, who lost everything in the floods, report that no development or sanitation work has been carried out to secure these vulnerable areas.

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With the rainy season returning, thousands of people fear they may once again be caught up in devastating floods.

Due to the lack of government action, some families are trying to fend for themselves, often in makeshift ways. For example, in Maziba neighborhood, some residents are collecting waste to build makeshift barriers against water.

People are also using cardboard to carry mud and debris left behind by the previous floods in these districts of the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.

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Residents blame much of the damage on the suspension of a drainage project meant to channel water into the Ndjili River. Mathieu Katshinadi, one of the victims, is pleading with authorities to urgently resume this vital project.

Meanwhile, another resident, Mamie Tshiyoyi, points out that poorly planned construction is also damaging the river and is a major cause of flooding that destroys houses.

A few months ago, the government asked residents living in low-lying wetlands to relocate to safer areas to avoid risks, but the program has done little to resolve the problem as no concrete plans .