Borehole Installation Transforms Lives in Burundi’s Ruburizi Community
The United Methodist Church drilled a borehole in Ruburizi, Burundi, improving access to clean drinking water for 5,000 residents. Funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the project aims to combat water-borne diseases and alleviate hardships faced by the community, particularly women and children. The initiative is expected to aid in economic development and enhance overall community health.
In an initiative aimed at alleviating water-borne diseases in Burundi, The United Methodist Church has successfully drilled a well in the Burundi Annual Conference. Funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, this borehole now provides access to drinking water for approximately 5,000 residents of Ruburizi, significantly improving their daily lives.
Launched in March 2023, this project was initiated to address urgent water needs following natural disasters that impacted infrastructure in the region. Patrick Abro, a missionary for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, described the borehole as part of the project titled “Relief and Recovery Assistance to Flood Survivors at Nyabunyegeri, Rubirizi and Kirekura.”
The region had faced severe challenges in accessing drinking water, exacerbated by flooding and landslides. The Rev. Cimpaye Valentine emphasized the project’s role in enhancing water access, promoting hygiene, and safeguarding women and girls from the risks associated with lengthy water collection trips.
The borehole has dramatically reduced the distance women and girls need to travel to collect water from five miles to just one-third of a mile. With a daily output capacity of approximately 3,840 gallons, it has positively impacted both health outcomes and community dynamics.
Residents of Ruburizi have expressed their gratitude for the initiative, with 70-year-old Christine Ntamubano stating, “I am happy to have drinking water closer to home; before, we used to draw water from rivers, which often caused illness.”
The Rev. Buratangaje Japhet noted an increase in church attendance in conjunction with the borehole installation, highlighting its effect on community healing and engagement. The project has also aided local economic development by freeing up time for children to participate in household and agricultural activities.
Sector manager Nshimirimana Japhet commended The United Methodist Church for its ongoing support and underscored the commitment of local authorities to maintain the borehole’s integrity, calling for expansion of the water network.
Ultimately, The Rev. Valentine conveyed that this borehole transcends being merely a community project; it is a crucial response to the pressing needs confronting the community.
The drilling of the borehole in Ruburizi represents a significant advancement in public health and community well-being. With improved access to clean drinking water, this initiative addresses both immediate needs and long-term social issues, fostering economic development and enhancing the quality of life for thousands. The positive community response further underscores the profound impact of altruistic efforts such as those made by The United Methodist Church.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
