The water crisis in Goma, a desperate call for help
The North Kivu Water Distribution Authority (REGIDESO) is sounding the alarm in the face of extreme disruptions affecting drinking water supply in the city of Goma for almost two weeks. The consequences of this crisis directly affect the local population who find themselves deprived of essential access to this vital resource. A cry of alarm was launched by REGIDESO which estimates that a lasting solution would require a substantial investment of 3.6 million US dollars.
The director of REGIDESO/North Kivu, David Angoyo, warns of the urgency of the situation and calls for rapid intervention from the Government of the DRC as well as technical and financial partners to resolve this crucial problem. On the ground, the water shortage results in heartbreaking scenes: residents walk the streets in search of this precious liquid, young and old carry yellow cans on their backs, some mothers travel long distances to draw water. water at Lake Kivu. Home delivery people, for their part, are taking advantage of the situation by doing lucrative business during this period of crisis.
The technical problems encountered by REGIDESO worsen the situation, with frequent interruptions in the pumping of treated water and significant leaks on the network due to the obsolescence of the installations. The main pipe of the network is regularly subject to ruptures, making it difficult to supply the Bushara reservoirs, from where distribution leaves to the different districts of the city of Goma and the territory of Nyiragongo.
To resolve this water crisis which affects thousands of people in the region, it is imperative to invest in the renewal of REGIDESO’s network and infrastructure. This is an absolute necessity to guarantee continued access to drinking water for all residents of Goma and surrounding areas.
Faced with this critical situation, it is essential that the competent authorities take immediate measures to meet the water needs of the population and guarantee a stable and reliable supply in the long term. The current crisis underlines the crucial importance of water in the daily lives of the inhabitants of Goma and highlights the challenges that REGIDESO must face to ensure efficient and sustainable distribution of drinking water.
In conclusion, the water crisis in Goma cannot be ignored. It requires urgent and coordinated action to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and ensure equitable access to this vital resource for all. The challenges are numerous, but an effective and united response from authorities and partners is essential to overcome this crisis and guarantee a better future for the region’s inhabitants.