Democratic Republic of Congo: ICRC boosts access to safe water through partnerships and innovative financing solutions

More than half of Goma's 800,000 inhabitants lack basic access to drinking water. People either have to fetch untreated water from the Lake Kivu, carrying heavy 20-litre jerrycans long distances, or they pay high prices at water distribution points. Both ways, people risk getting sick, putting additional stress on the most vulnerable communities.

The Goma West Resilient Water Project includes the construction of a drinking water supply system composed of water treatment plants, pumping stations and reservoir, as well as investments into accompanying measures to ensure system sustainability, and continuing emergency works.

This project will have a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Its implementation shows how important local partnerships and those across the humanitarian, development and private sectors have become. This collaborative approach will help us deliver sustainable impact where it is most needed," said ICRC President Peter Maurer.

The CHF 40 million project brings together humanitarian and development funding with private sector participation and investment.

The World Bank, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Fondation Lombard Odier are already supporting the project. Around CHF 17 million has been raised as of May 2022, including CHF 15 million foreseen from the World Bank, while an additional CHF 8 million funding is being sought to finalize the preparation and continue essential emergency activities.

To ensure the project remains affordable and relevant for the residents of the city, the ICRC is working closely with local partners and supporting the establishment of the Régie Provinciale, a body that will monitor the quality of service provided by the private water operator.

"New approaches and partnerships are an essential component to increase the long-term stability of a region that has endured successive conflicts and crises for far too long," added Maurer.