The Water Source of Life and Development project in Cibitoke opens a new phase in providing access to drinking water and basic sanitation in the municipalities of Mugina and Rugombo in Cibitoke province.
During 2022, together with the historical partner CASOBU ASBL, we conducted a multi-sectoral social study, using the Theory of Change approach and a technical feasibility study. This study involved the participation of families, administrative managers, parishes and other partners, in order to understand the main challenges felt by the future recipients of the interventions and to work together to define the objectives and actions to be implemented. The results of this study show that among all the difficulties experienced by the community, the need for drinking water and sanitation is felt as a priority. The project area is located in the municipalities of Mugina and Rugombo, in the province of Cibitoke, in the north-west of Burundi. The intervention focuses essentially on the “Rubirizi-Rukana” axis, an area occupied by rural villages and not served by any drinking water supply network. In this first phase, the project involves the construction of 20 ecological latrines for families in the hills of Gicaca, Musenyi, Rukana and Gitumba. This will be followed by the construction of a drinking water supply network on the Rubirizi-Rukana axis and the strengthening of stakeholder involvement in water management. Emphasis will also be placed on raising awareness of the management of common goods, participatory water management, environmental protection and household hygiene. To address the challenges of access to health care, beneficiaries will also be assisted in establishing a community health mutual, or supported in joining existing community health mutuals. 
Made with the contribution of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. 