Bringing Clean Water Closer to Communities in Rutshuru

Jonas Habimana, Executive Director, Bureau d’Information, Formations, Echanges et Recherche pour le Développement (BIFERD) Rutshuru, Democratic Republic of the Congo – For years, families in the Rwanguba and Rangira health zones struggled to access clean water. Walking long distances to rivers was a daily challenge, and the lack of safe water increased the risk of waterborne diseases, especially among children. Sphere’s focal point in Congo, BIFERD, has helped thousands of people gain reliable access to safe drinking water through a WASH project, with financial support from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs via UNICEF. From August 2023 to June 2024, the project constructed two gravity-fed water systems, including sedimentation tanks, reservoirs, and over 60 water taps, providing services to more than 35,000 people across the villages. Communities speak about the impact in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrGUBRldTQ

Transforming lives through clean water

Access to safe water is more than just drinking water – it improves health, hygiene, and dignity. Schools, health centers, and households now have nearby water points (⇒WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity) reducing waterborne diseases and easing the burden on women and children (⇒WASH 2.2: Water quality).

 

Community ownership for sustainability

BIFERD worked closely with communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water systems. Two Water Management Committees were established and trained to manage and maintain the water infrastructure. This approach aligns with Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments on participation and accountability, giving communities a voice and responsibility in their own development (⇒CHS Commitment 4, guidance notes).

Supporting displaced families

The project also reached internally displaced persons IDP sites around Goma, providing water points, latrines, showers, and hygiene promotion. These interventions reduce the risk of epidemics and protect displaced families’ health and dignity, reflecting Sphere Minimum Standards for WASH (⇒WASH 1.1: Hygiene promotion, key actions).

Partnerships for resilience

This project reflects BIFERD’s commitment to strengthening the well-being and resilience of communities affected by humanitarian crises in eastern DRC. Families are now able to spend less time fetching water, benefiting from a consistent and dependable water supply. “This project involved the complete rehabilitation of the Katagaifu–Rwanguba water network, which was originally built in the 1970s, and the construction of a new system in Rangira. Many long-standing challenges related to water access have now been resolved. Cases of waterborne diseases and risks of gender-based violence have dropped significantly. Clean water is now within reach for everyone, especially women, who no longer have to walk long distances and face potential dangers,” – Jonas Habimana. BIFERD also collaborated with another national NGO, MIDEFEHOPS, to implement a rapid response project funded by the Start Fund. Through this intervention, thousands of households affected by armed conflict received integrated WASH and food security support. You can view the impact story here: https://youtu.be/CjmIIJqFREY  In addition, BIFERD has developed a partnership with Islamic Relief to respond to crises in the DRC. The intervention supported families in both IDP sites and return areas by distributing food, seeds, and agricultural tools, and by providing training and education on resilience. Around 5,600 people from five villages were reached through these interventions. These efforts have helped conflict-affected communities strengthen their resilience and rebuild their lives. You can view a short impact video on this here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T62BIRaMmCd1AEHuwQhE7nTEJjw4B2yZ/view?usp=sharing BIFERD continues to ground its work in recognised humanitarian standards, with a strong focus on dignity, accountability, and community participation. As the organisation expands its partnerships and support across eastern DRC, it remains committed to delivering assistance that helps communities recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience.