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Access to safe drinking water in schools remains a serious concern in the city of Butembo, in North Kivu province in eastern DR Congo. According to the results of a preliminary survey conducted in 2025 by the Urban Coordination of Student Committees, only 7 out of 10 schools in the Butembo 1 and 2 subdivisions have access to a source of potable water.
This alarming situation was presented during the program Kumbuka Mazingira, broadcast on La Voix de l’UCG, as part of an environmental education initiative organized by regional journalists who are members of the Local Climate Forum CASSANDRA and the editorial team of NATURELCD.
Speaking during the program, Chrispain Kulimushi, president of the coordination, emphasized that the lack of safe drinking water is a major problem for students. “Access to potable water in schools remains a major challenge despite the country’s immense hydrological wealth.”
According to him, safe drinking water is an essential resource, not only to ensure proper sanitary conditions but also to create an environment conducive to learning.
“The absence of potable water in some schools compromises both the health of learners and the quality of education,” he explained.
Climate change-related events are also affecting access to water. The city of Butembo experiences long periods of drought as well as prolonged rainy seasons, forcing families to travel long distances to find potable water sources—and schools are not spared. Schools built near rivers are prone to flooding, which disrupts access to services, particularly education and water supply. Some rely directly on river or rainwater, while students are often required to bring water from home to clean classrooms, maintain sanitation facilities, and even for drinking.
In response to this situation, the Urban Coordination of Student Committees denounces the lack of adequate public policies on water governance in schools in the city of Butembo.
They are calling on local authorities as well as humanitarian organizations to become more involved in improving access to this vital resource.
This advocacy comes at a time when access to water remains a crucial issue for educational and health development in several parts of the region.
Despite these challenges, many schools across the country are organizing themselves through initiatives such as “Clean Schools” or “Blue Schools,” installing water tanks and essential water points to support children’s learning and health.
Elisha Kindy
