Drinking water supply and sanitary facilities in schools, Burundi

Access to clean water is a human right. In Burundi, however, less than half of the population has access to clean drinking water.

The reasons for this are poverty, polluted drinking water sources, high population density and inadequate infrastructure. The consequences are fatal: many people – especially children – die from diseases caused by contaminated and insufficient water. Currently, only three out of 22 schools in the municipality of Gisozi have access to drinking water on school grounds. Children and teachers have to bring water from home or walk long distances to rivers and springs. Hundreds of children share a few pit latrines, and water for washing hands is rarely available. Young girls in particular drop out of school as a result.

In this project, we are installing sanitary facilities at three pilot schools, forming water committees and involving the water authorities.

Project area

Goals

Installation of sanitary facilities at three schools in the province of Mwaro to improve hygiene conditions and access to clean drinking water and to ensure a good education.

2,320 pupils at the three schools attend classes regularly.

All three pilot schools have a functioning connection for drinking water supply and hygiene as well as a committee for infrastructure and maintenance and the water authorities are involved.