Recent events in the Kigonze camp in Bunia raise a crucial issue: access to drinking water for the fourteen thousand displaced people living on this site is becoming a major challenge. Indeed, of the seven water boreholes initially installed, only four are still in working order, leaving a large part of the population without direct access to a resource essential to their survival.
The situation is alarming, the displaced people are forced to make additional efforts to obtain even a minimum of drinking water. The failures of the boreholes force some to go outside the camp to look for water, even at additional costs to buy a simple can for 100 Congolese francs. This reality highlights a crucial problem, that of accessibility to a vital resource that should only be a fundamental right for all.
It is essential to highlight that these water boreholes were initially installed by humanitarian organizations such as IOM, UNICEF and Tearfund, aimed at ensuring access to safe drinking water for all displaced people in Kigonze camp. Unfortunately, over time, these facilities have fallen into disrepair, depriving thousands of people of a vital resource.
Furthermore, the issue of hygiene cannot be ignored, as displaced people are forced to use unsanitary toilets that have not been emptied for many months. This precarious situation only increases the health risks for the camp residents, jeopardizing their overall well-being.
It is imperative that urgent action be taken to address this alarming situation. Access to safe drinking water should not be a luxury, but an inalienable right for all individuals, regardless of their geographical location. The relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations must work together to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and improve sanitary conditions in Kigonze camp.
As a society, it is our duty to ensure that displaced populations can live in dignified and humane conditions, with equitable access to essential resources such as drinking water. It is time to act collectively to guarantee a better future for those who have been forced to leave their homes.