Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is grappling with a severe water shortage that has left its 2 million residents struggling to access clean drinking water. For several days, the taps have been dry, and residents have had to endure long queues at limited water sources, making daily life increasingly difficult.
“I have to wake up at 4 or 5 am to fetch water from the lake,” said Irène Safari, a local resident. “Some people drown, and others are assaulted while trying to collect water. We are pleading with the governor to provide us with enough water to ease our suffering.”
With drinking water in such short supply, many residents walk for kilometers to access water, often risking exposure to contaminated sources. The situation has worsened as more people flock to Goma due to the ongoing conflict in the Rutshuru, Masisi, and Lubero regions, adding pressure to the already fragile infrastructure of the city. Refugee camps are also facing critical shortages, exacerbating the risks of waterborne diseases.
The state-run water utility, REGIDESO, attributes the water crisis to a lack of investment in the sector. David Angoyo, the regional director of REGIDESO, stated, “There is a significant lack of investments, particularly in the water sector. We are working on local engineering solutions to bridge the gap between demand and production.”
The local authorities have pledged to address the issue, but as the situation continues to unfold, tensions in the overcrowded city are rising. Goma’s residents and displaced persons urgently need relief as they battle both the water crisis and the ongoing humanitarian challenges.
