Congolese children in Rutshuru territory celebrate clean water
They wake up as the dawn breaks. Each carrying large yellow plastic containers weighing 5 kilograms, the children in Mugogo have to walk to a dirty well two kilometers to get water for cooking, washing and cleaning. When it is time for them to go to school, they are exhausted and sleepy.
The water is not clean and if not boiled, many people get sick said Dr. Pablo Kanyamihigo. He added, “We have a lot of recorded typhoid cases due to lack of water in the Nyarukwangara area. The available water supply is not clean and even insufficient. The need to build water systems and fountains is urgent for people who cannot leave the area.”
Under its Clean Water Program, World Vision has built multiple fountains in Mugogo village located in Rutshuru territory at the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This time, children no longer need to walk for long distances in semi-dark conditions for unclean water. This is a huge relief for parents whose children can spend more time with their studies.
Six-year old Meschak lives in the village with his younger brother Olivier and grandma Generose Ntakazinga. He said he is very happy to see a water fountain located just few meters from their home. “I like being at school every morning playing with my friends. Before I cannot go on time because I need to walk far to get water. Now, when I am thirsty, there is enough to drink”, he said smiling.
Genorose, 52, considers the water supply tapped from the springs a miracle. She said, “I never thought that we have clean spring water in our village. We need water in everything that we do, from washing clothes, dishes to cooking our food. My grandchildren often cannot go to school because they were too dirty. We are relieved that the whole village do not go that far anymore.”
World Vision built five capped springs from the unprotected ones, provided for the construction materials and engaged with local masons. The villagers contributed with the locally available materials like stones and sand.
When the project was finished, the people have access to water within 500 meters. Despite the insecure conditions, the World Vision team worked hard until it was completed benefitting least 7,000 households or around 42,000 people.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) engineer Jimmy safari Harerimana said, “Clean water is so essential to people’s health and quality of life. The internally displaced people continue to arrive in Mugogo fleeing violence from other villages. As the population increases, it is good that water is available for everyone. We work with local associations to ensure they protect the springs and continue to function even after World Vision leaves.”
