Church Provides Access to Safe, Clean Drinking Water for Six Kolwezi Neighborhoods

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In an area marked by rapid population growth and increasing pressure on basic infrastructure, access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in several neighborhoods in the city of Kolwezi. Many families still rely on unsafe water sources, exposing them to significant health risks, particularly from waterborne diseases.

Aware of this situation, the urban authorities of Kolwezi requested support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help implement a project aimed at providing sustainable solutions to the neighborhoods most affected by the lack of safe drinking water. A few months later, following official correspondence sent to the Church specifying the priority drilling sites, a decisive first step was taken.

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa Central Area, accompanied by Area Seventy, Elder Ndalamba Ilunga and Kolwezi Stake President, Christian Tshibangu, met with the Deputy Mayor Mrs. Farida Mwepu Oduel. This meeting was a key moment, paving the way for the project’s realization. At the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Mutombo emphasized that the Church’s commitment is an expression of Christ’s love for the local population, while inviting everyone to recognize Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer.

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Three days after this visit, Elder Ilunga represented the Church at the official project launch ceremony, presided over by Deputy Mayor Oduel.  During the ceremony it was specified that the project consisted of drilling six boreholes for safe drinking water, strategically located in the most vulnerable areas. This project is the result of exemplary collaboration between the Church and local authorities, marking an important step in strengthening institutional relationships.  It was also presented as a tangible manifestation of Christ’s love for His children.

On Friday, May 15, 2026, Elder Ilunga, accompanied by the Kolwezi Stake President Tshibangu and Brother Ibrahim Nosso from the Church’s humanitarian services department, officially handed over the six facilities to the urban authorities.

Each borehole has a daily production capacity of safe drinking water sufficient to serve more than 500 households.  In his remarks, Elder Ilunga expressed gratitude to the local authorities for the opportunity given to the Church to serve the population.  He noted that the project was made possible through the voluntary contributions of Church members, motivated by the conviction that “when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of God.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several local authorities, including the Mayor of Kolwezi, Mr. Jacques Masengo Kindele, accompanied by his Deputy, Mrs. Farida Mwepu Oduel, representatives of urban budget committees and local development structures, the Mayor of Dilala, as well as the heads of the concerned neighborhoods. In his address, the Mayor praised this remarkable initiative, which complements government efforts to improve access to basic social services. He also urged the population to ensure responsible and sustainable management of these facilities, in line with the vision of the Head of State.