The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, inaugurated the Tenga-Rubirizi potable water supply project on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, boosting access for thousands in a locality where water was a scarce commodity. President Ndayishimiye had promised to address the critical water shortage during his electoral campaign. The new network currently serves nearly sixty thousand beneficiaries, along with four schools and two health centers. President Ndayishimiye stated, "La population a bien compris que c’est grâce à nos forces que le pays se développera." He added, "Le combat pour le développement est perpétuel, il faut alors travailler à l’unisson en menant victorieusement cette bataille dont l’étape déjà franchie est bien satisfaisante."
Project Infrastructure and Scope
The potable water supply project was realized by the non-governmental organization Amazi Water. Its infrastructure incorporates two storage reservoirs, which have a combined capacity of 600 cubic meters. The network also includes 182 public taps, designed to provide widespread access to the community. The full distribution system spans a total of 21 kilometers, connecting the water sources to the various access points across the project area.
National Water Goals
The government is committed to guaranteeing access to potable water for the entire population, with President Ndayishimiye setting a goal of universal access by 2030. Burundi's national vision prioritizes access to potable water as a key objective. Amazi Water has pledged continued support for this national vision, specifically objective 18, which focuses on improving sustainable access to potable water, hygiene, and sanitation. President Ndayishimiye described the population's contribution to such projects as a good and hopeful start. He urged leaders to guide the population and assume responsibility for development initiatives. "The population has understood that it is thanks to our own efforts that the country will develop," President Ndayishimiye stated, adding, "The fight for development is perpetual, so we must work in unison, victoriously leading this battle, the stage of which already reached is very satisfactory."
African Union Water Initiative
The African Union proclaimed 2026 as the 'Year of Water', a decision made during the 39th ordinary session of the African Union. African heads of state and governments convened in Addis Ababa on February 14, 2026, for this summit. The gathering's theme focused on 'Ensuring the sustainable availability of water and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.' Jason Peters, the Director General of NGO Amazi Water, stated that the Tenga-Rubirizi project aligns with the vision of the President of Burundi.
Community Contribution and Reaction
President Ndayishimiye characterized the Tenga-Rubirizi initiative as the "first large-scale project" undertaken by the non-governmental organization Amazi Water. The local population contributed to the project by digging the 21 kilometers of the network. Governor Aloys Ndayikengurukiye of Bujumbura thanked both the government and Amazi Water on behalf of the beneficiaries. President Ndayishimiye stated, "La population a bien compris que c’est grâce à nos forces que le pays se développera," adding, "Le combat pour le développement est perpétuel, il faut alors travailler à l’unisson en menant victorieusement cette bataille dont l’étape déjà franchie est bien satisfaisante."