Bururi : drinking water shortage in Rutovu, residents sound the alarm

SOS Médias Burundi

Rutovu, September 19, 2025 – The population of Rutovu, in the Bururi district, Burunga province in southern Burundi, is sounding the alarm about a drinking water shortage that is particularly affecting children and patients at the referral hospital. Local authorities are promising additional boreholes with the support of the NGO Amazi Water and Regideso, the only state-owned company responsible for water distribution.

In this part of Burunga province in southern Burundi, access to drinking water remains a crucial problem, especially during the dry season. Due to a lack of sufficient resources, many residents still draw water from the Kigira River, risking catching diseases related to poor hygiene.

The shortage of drinking water continues to worry the population of Rutovu. In this district, residents, including patients and staff at the referral hospital, suffer from limited access to clean and safe water.

According to several reports, the population is forced to draw water from the Kigira River. This untreated water particularly exposes children to intestinal infections and parasites. “Our children often get sick from the water we drink. Yet we have no other choice,” confided a parent interviewed on site.

Promises to strengthen water supply

Asked about this situation, Ferdinand Nduwimana, executive secretary of the Bururi district, acknowledged the urgency of the problem. He stated that measures are already planned. “For the hospital and surrounding neighborhoods, additional boreholes will be drilled with the support of the NGO Amazi Water, in collaboration with Regideso, the only state-owned company responsible for water distribution.” We will also ask this partner to continue the groundwater supply to cover the new neighborhoods,” he said.

While waiting for these projects to come to fruition, the residents of Rutovu continue to live by filling their cans along the riverbank, hoping that drinking water will one day cease to be a luxury.