Uncontrolled urbanization and expected unclogging of Congolese cities: Case of Bukavu city, Eastern DR Congo

This study was conducted to contribute to improvement and sustainable development of Congolese cities, particularly Bukavu city. GIS and Remote Sensing technics were used to estimate the built-up suitable areas in Bukavu taking into account the slopes, rivers, exclusion zones, protected zones, lakes, roads, identified landslides areas, erosion and flooding. These exclusion areas were subtracted from the total city area to determine the suitable areas. 2030 and 2050 population projections were made based on 2016 estimations. The results obtained show that only 68.6% (∼29.7 km 2) are suitable for built-up. Based on 2016 estimation, the population will double by 2030 and triple by 2050. While the areas that can be developed for settlements can accommodate only ∼186 000 people, the surplus will be relocated in two selected satellite cities, namely Nyatende and Miti-Murhesa centres, having ∼38 and ∼125 km 2 of suitable areas, respectively. Both vertical and horizontal development with an average plot size of 350 m 2 would reduce the negative impacts and ensure a sustainable city environment. To maintain the sustainability of Bukavu and its former name of "green city ", both horizontal and mixed extensions will be considered while the two selected zones have to be well planned for new satellites cities and new Bukavu city development.