Burundi, a small country in East Africa, faces heavy rains for most of the year. The rainy season starts in September and brings much-needed water but also devastating floods. This situation often leads to panic and suffering as homes are damaged, and lives are lost.
In Bujumbura, the country’s economic center, rainwater rushing down from the mountains causes many troubles. Each year, floods force families to evacuate, disrupting schools and businesses. Sadly, some people become climate refugees when their homes are submerged.
Several factors contribute to these flooding disasters. Poor construction practices, deforestation, and a lack of planning leave many areas vulnerable. Moreover, Burundi is facing climate change, despite being one of the least polluting regions globally.
These floods have severe consequences. In October 2024, two children tragically lost their lives when they were swept away by floodwaters while returning home from school. Stories like this underline the urgency of addressing this issue.
“We feel abandoned by the authorities, who are aware of our suffering every rainy season. The floods destroy lives and homes,” shared a local resident.
The impact on livelihoods is significant. For example, truck drivers delivering goods in and around Bujumbura suffer huge losses. During heavy rain, they can only make half of their usual deliveries due to impassable roads. This drastically cuts their income, which ranges between 572,679 BIF (about $192) and 1,777,536 BIF (about $596) per month.
“In rainy seasons, our profits plummet. A truck that makes ten trips in dry times only completes five during the rains,” explained a building material supplier.
One driver spoke about the ordeal of getting stuck on muddy paths, leading to hours of lost time and income. Despite paying taxes, they feel government action on road repair is lacking.
Burundi’s Constitution states that the government is responsible for proper land-use planning. Yet, many citizens feel they have the right to demand improvement in road access and drainage systems to prevent flooding.
An official from the Burundi Road Agency admitted the government is aware of the damages but expressed concern about unregulated construction and environmental degradation. The outdated drainage systems often cannot handle heavy rains.
While the government has sought international assistance to address climate change effects, local experts stressed the need for better funding and disaster management efforts. They advocate for stronger partnerships with external donors while cautioning that such supports can halt unexpectedly.
The neglect of natural resource management is also alarming. Despite laws meant to protect the environment, corruption and mismanagement hinder effective implementation. Local NGO leaders highlight the urgent need for environmental awareness and education among residents.
As Burundi grapples with overpopulation and uncontrolled development, the conservation of forests and effective urban planning are crucial. Many properties are built without proper permits, with residents sometimes alleging they paid officials for land allocations that were never documented.
The situation is dire. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of floods, it’s essential for the government and local authorities to work together in a coordinated effort to protect the public and improve infrastructures.
