Lake Nzilo, body of water
Lake Nzilo is an artificial reservoir in the Democratic Republic of the Congo covering about 200 square kilometers, formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Lualaba River. The water body is surrounded by wetlands and swampy areas, with four power generation units that operate the dam.
The reservoir was created by building a hydroelectric dam on the Lualaba River, with the final section completed in the early 1950s. The project was developed to supply water and power to the copper mining operations in the nearby area.
The reservoir carries the name of a Belgian explorer and remains integral to daily life for residents who fish and collect water from its shores. Local communities gather at the waterside for practical needs and simple moments of reflection.
Visitors should be cautious about swimming due to pollution from nearby mining activities and health risks from parasitic infections. It is better to enjoy the view from the shores or engage in boating if permitted by local authorities.
The reservoir was formerly known as Lake Delcommune, named after a Belgian officer and explorer, reflecting the region's colonial past. The landscape surrounding it was once natural wetlands before the dam transformed it into the current artificial water body.
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