How and why is the ICRC involved in supplying water in an urban area like Goma?
Goma’s water-access problems are among the many issues of humanitarian concern arising from the ongoing conflict. Since 1994, thousands of civilians have sought refuge and work in the provincial capital. The city’s population has exploded, but the infrastructure has not kept pace. What’s more, the existing water-supply network is in a growing state of disrepair since proper maintenance is hampered by the disorder that result from the lack of security and economic stability. The ICRC has been working with Regideso on water-supply projects in Goma since 1997. All told, we have invested more than 850,000 Swiss francs in the effort to improve this situation. The construction in 2007 and 2008 of a pumping station in Kesheyro and two tanks in N’dosho means that more than 250,000 residents now have regular access to drinking water. Like other organizations, we have also engaged in a large number of emergency projects. But in a city like Goma, whose population exceeds 600,000, a long-term solu
