By Daniel Buuma (DR CONGO)
The occupation of Rutshuru territory in the Eastern North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the M23 rebels has forced thousands to flee their homes in search of safety.
A short distance from Goma, the provincial capital, Nyiragongo has become a temporary sanctuary for these brave souls. But as they settle into this refuge camp, a new battle looms—one against thirst.
With clean water in short supply, their struggle for survival deepens.
Residents’ struggles
“We have gone more than a week without clean water,” says Tushimwe (not real name), a camp resident.
He reveals that “the water comes from Lake Kivu in Goma city, which is 15 kilometres away, and is transported to Kanyarutshinya,” narrating that “I wake up at 6 a.m. to fetch water, but by 11 a.m., I’m still waiting.”
Tushimwe laments that some soldiers usually come with their jerrycans and cut in line, ignoring the rules.
“We aren’t sure how to access the water NGOs provide, and some people walk up to 2 kilometres just to find clean water. This situation is unbearable,” insists Tushimwe.
Likewise, Neema (not her real name), a displaced woman living in Kanyarutshinya, says, “Logistical challenges make it even harder to get clean water. The supply chains break down because of poor infrastructure and security issues. Even when water is delivered, it often isn’t enough to meet the needs of everyone in the camp.”
According to Andre (not real name), a displaced person living in the Nyabanda camps in Nyiragongo territory, they are “running out of options.”
“It’s alarming; rebels are threatening to take control of Sake, the last security barrier before Goma,” warns Bertrand Bisimwa.
He highlights the urgency of the situation as growing violence has forced thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to flee their homes.
Maman Bonté, a mother of 11, narrates, “I escaped Rugari with my children, and now we live in two makeshift shelters. A friend found us a place for the kids to sleep, but water is scarce. This lack of clean water often leads to outbreaks of cholera, especially among the children.”
Contaminated water and rising illness
In these crowded displaced camps, the shortage of clean water is forcing many people to drink from contaminated sources. This puts them at risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, which can spread quickly in such unsanitary conditions.
Aid workers here have noticed an alarming increase in severe dehydration and gastrointestinal infections. Clinics in the camps are equally overwhelmed with patients, and their supplies are disappearing fast.
A local aid worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the “situation is critical. People are falling ill, and conditions will only worsen without clean water access. The healthcare infrastructure is stretched beyond its limits, and many suffer needlessly.”
One aid worker who prefers anonymity for security reasons and works with a local NGO that is raising awareness in the camps about the risks of cholera, says he is “worried” because “without urgent assistance, the health crisis will only worsen, putting even more lives at risk.”
The lack of clean water is making it hard for people in this camp to maintain basic hygiene, leading to the spread of diseases. Many families have no choice but to use dirty water for cooking and washing, worsening the public health crisis.
According to the World Health Organization, as of December 19, 2023, internally displaced persons (IDPs) are surviving on just two liters of water per day, far below the recommended amount of 15 liters.
Since the start of 2023, more than 30,000 cases of cholera have been reported in North Kivu province, which is home to over 2 million displaced people.
Financial burden of water
When water is available, it comes at a steep price. Displaced individuals are forced to purchase jerry cans for 500 Congolese Francs (approximately USD 0.18).
According to Dushimwe (not real name), an 18-year-old IDP living in the Nyabanda displaced camp, although this may seem like a small amount, it represents a significant financial burden for families who have lost everything.
Water costs add to the already high expenses for necessities, pushing many households further into poverty. Additionally, the time spent obtaining water adds to the overall burden. Many residents spend hours each day fetching water, which could otherwise be used to find food or seek employment. This worsens the economic hardships faced by displaced families.
The refugees maintain that this challenge requires immediate and coordinated support from the international community to bring both short-term needs and long-term solutions.
Disclaimer: The use of pseudo-names in this story is for the protection of our story sources due to security and privacy reasons.
The protection of information sources is a cardinal principle of our editorial policy.
Source: This EverydayNile story was supported by InfoNile, MICT and FOTEA with funding from the IHE-Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, JRS Biodiversity Foundation and GIZ, on behalf of the German Federal Government. This story is among 10 articles, written by 10 photojournalists who participated in EVERYDAY NILE project 2024.
