BUJUMBURA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Burundi has officially launched a 90-million-U.S.-dollar water and sanitation project, co-financed by the World Bank and the Burundian government.
The launch took place on Wednesday at Ruziba, near Lake Tanganyika, in Mugere district of Bujumbura Province, and was attended by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye and World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiame Diop.
The project is expected to benefit about 615,000 people, particularly residents of Bujumbura, through improved water services from 2028, with planned activities including the construction of a water pumping and treatment plant with a capacity of 60,000 cubic meters per day.
Ndayishimiye welcomed the launch of the project, saying that "ensuring access to clean drinking water contributes to the fight against certain diseases."
He called for the protection of Lake Tanganyika and all the rivers that flow into it to prevent pollution of the lake's waters, which are vital to the population.
"This event is a very important step for the water supply sector in Burundi and for the sustainable improvement of living conditions for the population," Diop said.
The project also includes specific investments in drinking water supply and sanitation in rural areas where the needs remain significant, he said.
Of the total budget, 80 million dollars was funded by the World Bank, while the Burundian government provided 10 million dollars.
This project will help the East African nation combat certain diseases, particularly those related to poor hygiene, which are frequently reported in Bujumbura due to a lack of clean drinking water. ■