Story: Rusizi Residents Say They Still Live Without Water and Electricity
In Rusizi District, some families say they feel forgotten.
These residents live in Gasharu Village, inside the area that is marked on the city master plan. But even with this classification, many say they still do not have clean water or electricity. They told Umuseke that they watch development happening around them, yet nothing reaches their side.
“We remain behind while others move forward”
Christine Mukamusabwa, a mother living in the same village, said their isibo (cluster of households) has more than 100 homes still waiting for basic services.
“Electric poles were installed a long time ago, but no electricity came. We do not have clean water. We see development near us, but it passes us and goes elsewhere,” she said.
Protegene Dusenge, a young man from the area, shared the same frustration.
“We live in Gihundwe Sector, inside the city. But we have no electricity. The poles have been here for a year without wires. Some neighbors got connected, but we were left out,” he explained.
He added that although the city center is only 25 minutes away, their own area looks forgotten.
“We do not even fetch electricity from others. And about water, we drink from streams. There is no clean water here,” he said.
Residents say these conditions slow down their progress. Without electricity and water, they cannot easily start small businesses, study at night, or live like other urban families.
People want to live like others in the city
The community is asking district leaders to pay attention to their situation and help them feel included in the urban development being carried out across Rusizi.
“We want to stop being isolated. We want to live like other city residents,” one villager said.
What the district says
Rusizi District leadership agrees that the problem exists and confirms that solutions are planned.
Phanuel Sindayiheba, the Mayor of Rusizi District, said there are ongoing projects that will address these gaps.
“For electricity, we have a major project coming to extend and increase power supply. It will help more than 15,000 households in planned settlement areas, including Shagasha,” he said.
Regarding water, he explained that another project is under construction.
“There is a water project that will supply clean water to Shagasha and Nkanka Sectors. The pipeline from water sources in Nyagatare is being prepared,” he added.
He asked residents to remain patient while these projects are still being implemented.
Current coverage
Data from June 2024 shows that 73.6% of Rusizi residents have access to electricity.
Out of this number, 55.5% get electricity from the main national grid, while 18.1% use off-grid systems like solar.
Residents in Gasharu hope they will soon join the rest of the district and finally get the services they have waited for many years.
