Burundi’s continuous rainy seasons, exacerbated by poor planning and climate issues, lead to loss of life and economic hardship for many families, particularly in Bujumbura. The government faces criticism for inadequate infrastructure managing flood risks and a need for better disaster preparedness. Local citizens call for responsible resource management and more effective government action, especially in urban areas affected by flooding and climate change.
Burundi, located in Eastern Africa’s Great Lakes region, endures heavy rainfall for nine months annually, beginning in September. This rainy season leads to significant suffering for families, especially in Bujumbura, where floods often result in loss of life and environmentally displaced individuals. Poor urban planning, deforestation, inadequate strategies, and climate change contribute to the disasters, disproportionately impacting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
In October 2024, heavy rain tragically swept two children away in Bujumbura, illustrating the dangers of the rainy season. Witnesses report that such incidents are frequent, and community members express frustration over the government’s silence on these recurring events. “Although the authorities know what happens to us every rainy season, they have abandoned us,” said a local, emphasizing the dire situation.
The economic impact of the heavy rainfall is severe, particularly for truck drivers who rely on the roads to deliver building materials. Many find their incomes reduced by up to fifty percent during the rainy season, as impassable roads hinder their operations. Nzeyimana Thomas, a building materials supplier, noted, “During severe rainy seasons, our incomes drop dramatically.”
Truck drivers encounter additional challenges like vehicles getting stuck in muddy roads, leading to lengthy repairs and further losses. A truck owner pointed out that despite their taxes, the government neglects road development, stating, “We pay several million Burundian Francs, but the government doesn’t intend to build any adequate roads for us.”
According to Article 35 of the Burundian Constitution, the government must manage land use effectively to prevent damage from flooding, yet victims of continuous flooding demand more proactive measures. “The government’s primary mission is to ensure the proper management and rational, effective, and efficient use of natural resources,” as stated in the Constitution.
Bigirimana Constantin, the director-general of the Burundi Road Agency, acknowledged the destruction caused by rainwater while pointing to inadequate urban planning and outdated drainage systems. He proposed the need to upgrade drainage structures to adapt to urbanization.
The Burundian government seeks international assistance for climate-related challenges, as local capacities fall short. Environmentalist Innocent Banigwaninzigo remarked that the government cannot address the increasing disasters alone. He emphasized the need for better disaster management funding and warned that aid cannot be relied upon due to political instabilities.
Moreover, the rising number of climate change victims necessitates a change in public awareness regarding environmental responsibilities. Educational initiatives are vital for fostering a sense of accountability toward climate change. The ongoing unregulated construction contributes to environmental degradation, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing laws for urban planning.
Burundi faces severe impacts from climate change, particularly during its lengthy rainy seasons. The government must address infrastructural inadequacies and enforce existing environmental laws to reduce the devastating effects of flooding. Both local authorities and citizens share responsibility for sustainable land-use practices and disaster preparedness to safeguard vulnerable communities against the rising tide of climate-related threats.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
