Water for Ruziba

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Since the 2010s, new neighbourhoods have grown rapidly around the capital Bujumbura without a reliable drinking water supply. Many residents of Ruziba have to use the heavily polluted water of the nearby Mugere river – leading to cholera, dysentery and other waterborne diseases that put children at particular risk.

The solution

Together with our Burundian partner WIV-HR we are building a sustainable drinking water supply:

• a borehole with a solar-powered pump,
• a 5,000-litre elevated tank on a 6-metre steel tower – water flows by gravity to three taps, independent of electricity,
• designed for around 13.5 m³ per day: 15 litres per person per day for about 900 people – the WHO minimum standard for basic domestic supply.

The measurable targets refer to 150 registered households (about 900 people). The Ruziba zone has around 1,500 households in total; within its capacity, the system is open to other residents too. A small monthly user fee paid by households finances maintenance and repairs so the system keeps running.

Our partner

The Women Initiative Against Vulnerability for Harm Reduction (WIV-HR) works in the social and health sector and protects particularly vulnerable people. It was founded in 2022 and is run by volunteers.

How you can help

Donate with the reference “Wasser Ruziba”.