The crucial role of drinking water supply in the Ruzizi region
In the Ruzizi region, access to drinking water remains a major challenge for many communities. The chief medical officer of the Ruzizi Plain health zone, Dr Alexis Kashobwe, recently advocated for drinking water supply projects to resolve this persistent problem. During a field visit led by humanitarian NGOs, Dr. Kashobwe stressed that the supply of drinking water was essential to improve the population’s accessibility to a source of healthy water and thus reduce health risks. .
One of the direct consequences of this situation is the spread of cholera. According to Dr Kashobwe, around 80% of new cholera cases reported in the town of Sange are linked to a collection point for Burundian asylum seekers. This site is home to nearly six thousand people, mostly women and children, and the lack of access to drinking water constitutes a high risk for the health of these vulnerable populations.
Cholera is unfortunately not a new phenomenon in the Ruzizi region. For nearly 20 years, this disease has evolved in an endemo-epidemic manner, with at least one epidemic each year. In addition to the lack of access to drinking water, Dr Kashobwe also highlights the need to renew water supply infrastructure which no longer meets the needs of the population due to a lack of maintenance over time. years.
The inhabitants of the villages of Kigurwe, Ndunda, Rusabagi and Kiliba ONDS are forced to consume water from the Shange, Kiliba, Ruzizi and other rivers, for lack of alternative. This situation highlights the urgency of investing in drinking water projects to ensure a safe and reliable water supply to these communities.
To respond to this problem, Dr Kashobwe calls for action and underlines the importance of concrete projects aimed at improving the supply of drinking water in the Ruzizi region. It highlights the need for new water supply infrastructure, as well as the importance of regular maintenance of these installations to ensure their durability and efficiency.
In conclusion, the supply of drinking water is a crucial issue in the Ruzizi region. It would not only improve the population’s access to a source of healthy water, but also reduce health risks, particularly linked to the spread of cholera. It is therefore essential to support and implement concrete projects to respond to this issue and improve the quality of life of communities in the region.