The United Methodist Church installed a borehole in Ruburizi, Burundi, benefiting 5,000 residents with access to safe drinking water. The project, funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, aims to combat water-borne diseases and improve local health. It has dramatically reduced water collection time, empowering women and children, and fostering community development.
The United Methodist Church has made significant strides in addressing the severe water crisis in Ruburizi, Burundi, through the installation of a borehole funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. This initiative, launched in March 2023, aims to alleviate water shortages and reduce health risks associated with water-borne diseases, benefiting approximately 5,000 local residents with accessible drinking water.
The borehole project, termed “Relief and Recovery Assistance to Flood Survivors at Nyabunyegeri, Rubirizi and Kirekura,” emerged in response to the detrimental effects of flooding and landslides in 2022, which severely damaged the local water infrastructure. Rev. Cimpaye Valentine emphasized that the project not only enhances access to water but also plays a critical role in safeguarding communities from diseases related to unsanitary conditions and protecting vulnerable groups from violence during water collection.
Before the borehole installation, women and girls faced exhausting treks of up to five miles to collect water. With the new system, the furthest water point is now only one-third of a mile away, significantly reducing the time required for water collection. The borehole delivers over 160 gallons per hour, equating to 3,840 gallons per day, facilitating improved health and wellbeing in the community.
The local populace has embraced this initiative with enthusiasm. Christine Ntamubano, a 70-year-old resident, expressed her gratitude for the proximity of safe drinking water, noting that previous sources from local rivers were often sources of illness. The church has also witnessed growth in congregation numbers since the borehole’s introduction, reflecting the positive impact on community cohesion and development.
Local economic activities have been bolstered as children can now invest more time in household and agricultural responsibilities. Beneficiaries, such as Manirakiza Geneviève, have experienced improvements in their ability to cultivate vegetable fields. The sector manager, Nshimirimana Japhet, acknowledged that the initiative has improved local health by reducing diseases associated with poor hygiene.
Rev. Valentine underscored the importance of this project, stating it transcends a mere water supply solution and actively responds to the urgent needs of the community. The dedicated efforts of The United Methodist Church continue to foster hope and ensure the future wellbeing of Ruburizi’s residents.
The establishment of the borehole in Ruburizi marks a pivotal advancement in providing clean drinking water, enhancing community health, and promoting local economic development. This project, supported by The United Methodist Committee on Relief, reflects the church’s commitment to addressing pressing needs while fostering hope and resilience within the community. By alleviating the burdens of water collection, the initiative empowers residents, particularly women and children, and improves life quality significantly.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
