Burundi: Climate Change Turns Rainy Season into Public Hazard

Burundi’s heavy rainfall during the rainy season, essential for agriculture, poses severe dangers to families, especially in urban areas like Bujumbura. This climate phenomenon leads to loss of life, displacement, and economic downturns for sectors reliant on road access. Governmental neglect and unregulated construction are significant contributing factors, raising urgent calls for effective action and public awareness initiatives to address the ongoing climate crisis.

Burundi, located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, is subject to heavy rainfall for nine months each year. While the rainy season, starting in September, is vital for agriculture, it often leads to dire consequences for families, particularly in Bujumbura, the capital. The rainfall causes landslides and floods, displacing residents, disrupting education, and claiming lives due to environmental negligence and unregulated construction.

The cause of these tragedies is attributed to many factors, including deforestation and inadequate disaster management strategies. Tragically, incidents during the rainy season are common, such as the drowning of two children in October 2024, raising concerns about governmental inaction on public safety. Anonymous witnesses lament the authorities’ neglect despite their awareness of these recurring disasters: “Les autorités nous ont abandonnés alors qu’elles sont au courant de ce qui nous arrive à chaque saison pluvieuse.”

The financial toll on vulnerable communities is significant, particularly affecting occupations reliant on road access, such as truck drivers, whose incomes can half due to impassable paths. Nzeyimana Thomas, a supplier, emphasized how heavy rains drastically reduce operational capacity: “Pendant la saison des pluies excessives, nous enregistrons une baisse énorme de nos revenus.”

The Burundian Constitution mandates the government to manage natural resources responsibly. Flood victims demand effective laws and infrastructure improvements, citing Article 35 as a basis for accountability. Bigirimana Constantin, director-general of the Burundi Road Agency, acknowledged the damage caused by erratic rain but pointed to greater issues, such as poor urban planning and aging infrastructure: “L’urbanisation est mal faite…”

The Burundian government increasingly relies on international aid to mitigate the impacts of climate change, with Innocent Banigwaninzigo, an environmentalist, stating that the state cannot independently tackle climate-related challenges. He called for increased disaster management resources: “Le pays doit séduire les partenaires…”

Moreover, corruption and a lack of enforcement hinder progress in environmental governance, which is essential for effective legal frameworks like the Water Code and Environmental Code. The exacerbation of climate change victimization underscores the need for public awareness and education to instill a sense of accountability towards environmental protection: “Il faut une éducation pour un changement de mentalité…”

With unregulated construction threatening previously forested areas, the precarious balance between urban sprawl and natural preservation is put at risk, adding to the public’s vulnerability. Thus, the urgency for harmonized governmental and community efforts to address these growing challenges is paramount.

In conclusion, Burundi faces significant challenges due to climate change, particularly during the rainy season, which leads to fatalities, displacement, and economic hardship. The government’s neglect of infrastructure and environmental regulations exacerbates these issues, placing vulnerable populations at further risk. Effective governance, awareness, and community engagement are critical to combat the adverse effects of climate change and promote sustainable development in the region.

Original Source: globalvoices.org