Burundi’s extended rainy season poses public safety threats, particularly in Bujumbura, leading to fatalities and displacement due to floods. Poor urban planning and deforestation contribute to these disasters, significantly impacting local livelihoods. Government accountability is called for, alongside community education initiatives to address climate change challenges. Reliance on international assistance reflects the need for stronger disaster management measures.
Burundi faces a severe public safety crisis during its extended rainy season, which lasts for nine months annually, commencing with the first rains in September. This season, while providing necessary water, culminates in flooding that devastates families, disrupts lives, and leads to environmental displacement. The capital city, Bujumbura, is particularly vulnerable as heavy rains cause fatalities and displace individuals, forcing businesses and educational institutions into paralysis due to the unregulated construction and deforestation exacerbating these disasters.
In October 2024, two children drowned due to unanticipated flooding while returning home from school in Bujumbura. This tragedy highlights the frequency of such accidents during the rainy season. Witnesses underscore the persistent inaction from authorities despite their awareness of these dangers, expressing deep frustration over the lack of governmental support: “Les autorités nous ont abandonnés alors qu’elles sont au courant de ce qui nous arrive à chaque saison pluvieuse. Cette pluie tue, perturbe le sommeil, et produit des déplacés climatiques qui voient leurs maisons noyées à chaque saison des pluies.” – Source.
The financial implications of heavy rainfall are dire for the most vulnerable sectors. Truck drivers, whose livelihood relies on transportation, face reduced incomes during rains, losing up to fifty percent of their earnings due to impassable roads. A building materials supplier noted, “Pendant la saison des pluies excessives, nous enregistrons une baisse énorme de nos revenus. Un camion qui faisait dix tours en été fait cinq tours en période pluvieuse.” – Source. Such financial strain affects workers whose monthly income is already low compared to national averages.
The Burundian Constitution mandates the government to regulate land use effectively. Citizens affected by recurrent flooding expect responsible measures, including improved road systems and water management infrastructures. Bigirimana Constantin, the head of the Burundi Road Agency, admitted awareness of the severe damage caused by rains but pointed out the egregious deforestation and poor urban planning contributing to the flooding crisis: “L’urbanisation est mal faite, les infrastructures d’évacuation des eaux sont très vieilles et les gens jettent n’importe quoi n’importe où.” – Source.
The Burundian government increasingly relies on international assistance to manage climate-related challenges. Innocent Banigwaninzigo, an environmentalist, stated, “L’État burundais à lui seul ne peut pas faire face aux besoins en cours et en activités préventives liés aux changements climatiques.” – Source. While he encourages increased government disaster management funding, he warns of the potential for abrupt aid suspensions due to political issues. The need for effective legal frameworks, while established, remains unmet in practice, hindered by corruption and mismanagement.
There is an urgent call for community education on environmental stewardship and responsibility towards climate disruption. Overpopulation and unregulated building in Bujumbura have led to environmental degradation, further exacerbating issues like soil erosion. Land owners claim to have received permits for their constructions, yet many cannot provide documentation, raising concerns about bureaucratic integrity. Citizens ultimately seek a harmonious governmental approach to address the escalating threats posed by climate change in Burundi.
Burundi’s rainy season has become a perilous time for its citizens due to heavy flooding and environmental displacement. Systemic issues such as unregulated construction, deforestation, and insufficient governmental response exacerbate these challenges. Victims of the climate crisis are demanding accountability and measures to mitigate damage. While international aid is sought, community education and robust infrastructure improvements remain essential for long-term solutions to climate vulnerabilities.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
