T4D Ndjili River Digital Twin

Location : Democratic Republic of the Congo

Problem

The Ndjili River basin in Kinshasa faces severe environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. Soil erosion and deforestation worsen the situation, leading to poor water quality, increased flooding, waterborne diseases, and reduced agricultural productivity, all of which impact local communities. Climate change further intensifies these issues.

Challenge

How can innovative technologies, such as digital twins, be used to improve sustainable water management, disaster resilience, and biodiversity conservation in the Ndjili River basin?

Solution

This project seeks to develop a digital twin of the Ndjili River basin, using real-time data to monitor water quality, track pollution sources, and assess improvements. It will provide early flood warnings, test mitigation strategies, and support sustainable urban planning by simulating scenarios for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.

Impact

• Improved management of water resources, with the ability to monitor water quality and pollution in real time.
• Early flood warning systems, enabling better preparedness and mitigation of flood-related risks.
• Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable urban planning.
• Strengthened community resilience to the impacts of climate change through better data and predictive tools.

Team members

• Jérôme Chenal, CEAT Director and Principal Investigator
• Dr. Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Scientific collaborator and Project Coordinator
• Pablo de Roulet, Scientific collaborator
• Gloria Lombo K. Polo, Secretary General for the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Jean Kasabalu Mutungu, Red Cross member
• Salomon Ndeke Gualaka, Red Cross member
• Imane Serbouti, Postdoctoral Researcher and UM6P Team Lead
• Mohammed Hlal, Postdoctoral Researcher and UM6P Team Member