Burundi : Muyinga and Kirundo run dry, the water shortage spreads to the north

SOS Médias Burundi

Muyinga, September 25, 2026 — A shortage of drinking water is causing concern among residents of several neighborhoods in the district of Muyinga, in Buhumuza province, in northeastern Burundi, and those in Kirundo, in Butanyerera province, in the north of the country. Taps are running dry, affecting households, hotels, and some public services. At the Muyinga hospital, witnesses say that water can be unavailable for more than three consecutive days, while in Kirundo, residents, including police officers, find themselves in long lines at water points.

The water shortage causes concern in Muyinga

In several neighborhoods in the urban center of Muyinga, residents are experiencing difficulties accessing drinking water. The situation is complicating daily activities and raising concerns about deteriorating hygiene conditions.

“We are afraid this situation will cause illnesses related to the lack of water. The authorities must find a solution quickly,” says a resident of Muyinga.

The shortage is also affecting hotels. At the Kugahimbare Hotel, located in the Kibogoye neighborhood in the center of Muyinga, the water supply has become difficult. Visitors report hygiene problems and unpleasant odors, which they attribute to the lack of water.

More than three days without water at the hospital

The situation is particularly worrying at the Muyinga hospital. Witnesses say that there can be no water for more than three consecutive days.

Caregivers and those accompanying patients are then forced to travel long distances to find water.

“We are forced to travel kilometers to find water.” “Yet, at the hospital, water is essential for both patients and hygiene,” laments a caregiver.

According to reports, some buildings and departments within the facility can go up to two days without cleaning due to the lack of water.

Healthcare staff are concerned about the consequences of this situation on hygiene in an environment where water is indispensable.

“We fear that the lack of water will facilitate the spread of disease, especially in a hospital setting where hygiene must be a priority,” explains a staff member.

In Kirundo, queues at water points

The shortage is also affecting the urban center of Kirundo, in Butanyerera province, northern Burundi.

At the Kavogero spring, police officers are among those waiting with jerrycans and buckets to obtain water. According to reports, their arrival sometimes causes tension with other residents, some accusing them of wanting to be served before everyone else.

This situation illustrates the difficulties faced by different segments of the population in accessing drinking water.

Regideso, for its part, explains that the disruption in Kirundo is linked to damage to a small device used to pump water from a distribution center.

Appeal to Regideso

In Muyinga and Kirundo, residents are calling on Regideso, the state-owned company responsible for water and electricity production and distribution, to quickly restore service.

They also want explanations for the cause of these disruptions and measures to prevent such shortages from recurring.

In healthcare facilities, residents and staff are particularly emphasizing the need for sufficient water to ensure hygiene and patient care.

A situation that extends beyond Muyinga and Kirundo

The situation in Muyinga and Kirundo is not an isolated case. Complaints related to difficulties accessing water and electricity have also been reported in several regions of Burundi.

In Bujumbura, the country’s economic capital and main commercial city, home to central government offices, numerous businesses, international organizations, and media outlets, supply difficulties are also fueling concerns.

With a touch of humor, a journalist from a German media outlet based in the economic capital questioned Regideso’s ability to provide water and electricity on his WhatsApp status on Friday. He ironically wondered if citizens were seeking these services from a company that might itself be experiencing shortages.

In Muyinga and Kirundo, residents, patients, caregivers, workers, and hotel managers continue to wait for the water supply to be restored. The return of water is particularly anticipated in healthcare facilities, where it remains essential for maintaining hygiene and providing patient care.