Congo Approves National Sanitation Policy

Four months after Turkish company Albayrak began operations, sanitation and waste management in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, Congo, have not yielded visible improvements. Rubbish continues to accumulate on pavements, highlighting ongoing unsanitary conditions. The Ministry of Urban Sanitation is collaborating with international institutions to address the situation and promote responsible behavior through a national sanitation policy.

Initial Challenges with Waste Management

In June 2025, the Minister of Urban Sanitation pledged to eliminate waste accumulation in the country’s two largest cities during the launch of Albayrak’s operations. Despite this promise, waste piles persist, exacerbated by increasing waste volume and a lack of adequate equipment. Residents have expressed concerns about the impact of the unsanitary conditions on public health, citing potential links to diseases like typhoid. Some residents also noted that fees are charged for waste removal despite the ongoing issues.

Development of a National Sanitation Policy

On October 14, 2025, a National Sanitation Policy was approved in Brazzaville with support from UNICEF and the African Development Bank. The policy aims to reduce sanitation-related diseases, protect the environment from climate change impacts, and foster a circular economy while creating green jobs. The ten-year plan is intended to be a significant shift in waste management and access to sanitation infrastructure.

Government Perspective

Juste Désiré Mondele, Minister of Urban Sanitation and Local Development, stated that the validated National Sanitation Policy provides a clear framework for public action. He emphasized that it addresses a strategic gap, improves coordination among stakeholders, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures rigorous project monitoring. The policy represents a new ambition for a cleaner, greener, and healthier Congo.