Fertile land and a hard-working community: the province of Cibitoke, in the northwest of Burundi, has an undeniable agricultural wealth, which allows the population to grow bananas, rice, cassava, tea, coffee, vegetables… in short, an excellent variety of food. Despite an agriculture that manages to be productive here, the territory suffers from a lack of access to drinking water and basic sanitation systems, especially in rural areas. With the project Water source of life and development in Cibitok and , the AMU is building twenty ecological latrines in the two municipalities of Mugina and Rugombo, in collaboration with the organization CASOBU (Cadre Associatif des Solidaires du Burundi) and with the contribution of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
Involvement of affected communities
Fundamental, before the start of the works, was the awareness-raising phase , which began with a meeting in which the local coordinator of the project illustrated the advantages of the ecological latrines to the local authorities and the communities of the two municipalities involved. This was an important moment for several reasons: it dispelled any doubts or misunderstandings that could arise on the usefulness of the project; it created a climate of trust, stimulating the active participation of the community; and it highlighted the concrete benefits that the ecological latrines will bring: among these, the improvement of hygiene, the prevention of diseases and the protection of the environment.
The project was received with enthusiasm
The communities of Mugina and Rugombo welcomed the project with enthusiasm. The prospect of improving the living conditions of their families aroused interest, and a desire to be an active part in the implementation of the project. The support of the inhabitants of the region is a great resource, it means creating the best conditions for the implementation of the project.
All together
After having identified, together with the local communities, the sites where to build the ecological latrines, the work began. The spirit of solidarity and the awareness of their strength as a community immediately emerged. No one holds back when there is a need to collaborate : everyone has committed to providing the essential materials such as sand, gravel and clinker (a material used to produce cement), as well as the manpower needed to build the infrastructure.
The wait and the expectations
The inhabitants of Mugina and Rugombo know that their current commitment will bring concrete results, starting with the improvement of hygiene in their homes. And they expect to be able to use the manure produced by the ecological latrines as a valuable fertilizer in their fields.
