DR Congo: Clean Water and Better Hygiene Are Transforming Lives in Bambo and Kibirizi Health Zones

Access to safe drinking water is doing more than meeting a basic need it is improving health, restoring dignity, and creating new opportunities for families across the Bambo and Kibirizi Health Zones in North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through the WASH project, implemented by World Vision with financial support from the U.S. Department of State, communities are gaining access to clean water while adopting healthier hygiene and sanitation practices that are changing lives for the better.

Beyond the construction of water points and sanitation facilities, the project is helping communities embrace lasting behavioral change. According to Kavira, a community volunteer, the transformation is evident throughout her village.

"Our community is much cleaner than it used to be," she explains. "In the past, many families did not even think about building household latrines. Today, people are taking the initiative to construct their own toilets. We hope support will continue for those who still cannot afford one. We have also noticed a decline in malaria cases since the project began."

Children have experienced some of the greatest benefits. Thirteen-year-old Ornella remembers spending nearly an hour every day collecting unsafe water.

"Now clean water is available close to our home," she says. "World Vision has also taught us the importance of washing our hands and keeping our surroundings clean."

For Alexi, also 13, reliable access to water has transformed everyday life.

"Today we have clean water in our community thanks to World Vision. I use it after using the toilet, for bathing, cooking, and washing clothes. Before, we had to walk long distances for dirty water. I am truly grateful for everything World Vision has done for us."

The impact is equally visible at school. Twelve-year-old Kesney recalls how water shortages affected both hygiene and confidence.

"I used to go to school wearing a dirty uniform because we didn't have enough water at home. Now I can stay clean every day. Thank you, World Vision, for bringing water to our community."

Parents are witnessing the same positive changes. Community member Kanyere Kataliko says that access to nearby water points has eased the daily burden on families.

"Our children were often late for school because they had to walk long distances to fetch water before getting ready. Things have changed, but more public taps are still needed so families living farther away can also benefit."

Health authorities have also observed encouraging progress. According to Deka Kabungu from the Provincial Health Division, the project has been successfully integrated into both health zones.

"Communities have widely adopted good water, sanitation and hygiene practices, with an estimated adoption rate of about 85 percent. Cases of diarrheal diseases have significantly decreased, and local leaders, health officials, and community members all recognize the project's positive impact."

While these achievements demonstrate the value of investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene, important challenges remain. Many households still live far from safe water sources and lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. Expanding water infrastructure and sanitation services will be essential to ensure that every family can enjoy the same benefits. Every additional water point and every new household latrine represents more than infrastructure, it means healthier children, greater dignity for families, and stronger, more resilient communities.