Residents of Ndengwa Village, Kibirizi Cell, Rubengera Sector in Karongi District are calling for urgent repairs to a broken water pipeline that has left them without clean water for over two years. The residents have been forced to fetch water from unsafe, open streams, leading to widespread waterborne diseases.
Samuel Musekura, a local resident, shared his frustration, saying, “We had a water system built for us, but it has been broken for nearly five years. It was repaired once but broke down again, and since then, no one has followed up. Now, we are left fetching water from the Ntaruko stream, drinking untreated water.”
He continued, “We ask for intervention so we can have clean water. Authorities once promised a water supply system with a communal tap, but nothing has happened yet. Please help us get clean water.”
Marie Rose Mukakabanza echoed his concerns, explaining how the lack of clean water is causing health issues. “It has been almost five years since we last had a proper water supply. The pipes have dried up completely. Now we are getting sick from using water contaminated by livestock,” she said.
Cyprien Bashimiki also shared his plight, saying that both he and his family have contracted waterborne diseases due to the dirty water they are forced to consume. “The water we fetch is full of contaminants. We desperately need a proper water supply to prevent more illnesses. Clean water would greatly improve our health,” he urged.
Jean Bernard Nshimiyimana, the acting executive secretary of Rubengera Sector, reassured residents, stating that a large-scale project known as Kivu Belt is underway and will soon bring clean water to the affected areas. “The issue will be resolved soon as the Kivu Belt project will supply water to the areas still lacking adequate access. We ask residents to be patient.”
This aligns with the government’s NST2 program, which aims to ensure every household has access to clean water by 2029.
