WESTERN PROVINCE
 
RUBAVU — Gisenyi residents have expressed concern at the ongoing water crisis in the town which they fear could spark a Cholera outbreak.

This comes days after water shortages hit the entire Gisenyi Sector which has forced hundreds of residents to resort to using water from Lake Kivu.

"There have been many cases of Cholera outbreaks in the past months among residents who consume this water. It is unfortunate to see that the current water crisis has left us with no other option but to resort to the same water for domestic use. We have for the past three days moved long distances to the lake hoping that Electrogaz would solve the problem quickly but it seems we are losing hope,” explained Juliette Mukagasana, a resident of Kivumu cell about three kilometres from the lake.

According to Jean Baptiste Nsabyumuremyi, another resident, the current water crisis has stopped many children from going to school since parents instead send them to fetch water.

"As you can see there are hundreds of children playing in the lake yet its school time. Besides missing school, some might even drown and die from the lake since most of them are too young to know how dangerous this lake is,” explained Nsabyumuremyi who had also come to fetch water.

Contacted for a comment, the Electrogaz engineer in Gisenyi town, Steven Munyaneza, attributed the problem to damaged water pipes which are currently under rehabilitation. He promised residents that they were working around the clock to ensure the problem is solved as soon as possible.

Martin Habimana, the Rubavu district officer in charge of good governance, said the district was working closely with Electrogaz to ensure residents get clean water. He cautioned residents against taking un-boiled water from the lake.

"There is no cause for alarm. This is a temporary problem caused by broken water pipes. It is being dealt with,” he assured.

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