In the heart of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, access to drinking water is a daily challenge for thousands of displaced people in the Kanyaruchinya camp. For these vulnerable populations, water is not simply a basic necessity for survival, but much more than that. As one slogan puts it: “Water is life”. In this particular context, water becomes a vital symbol, a determining factor in survival and hope.
Since the outbreak of armed conflict, which has destabilized the region and forced thousands of people to flee their homes, the inhabitants of the Kanyaruchinya camp have often found themselves without essential resources. Deprived of their land and means of subsistence, the displaced live in a precarious situation.
As Goma, the capital of North Kivu, struggles for survival, even access to basic physiological needs, such as drinking water, is becoming a rare luxury. Infrastructure is inadequate and water distribution irregular. Many depend on water sources that are often unsanitary, exposing the community to considerable health risks.
Women and children, who are primarily responsible for collecting water, walk miles every day, often under the scorching sun, to reach water points. Long hours spent fetching water limit their ability to devote themselves to other important activities, such as education and finding a source of income.
This situation drew the attention of many private players in the Renewable Energies and humanitarian sectors, including GoShop Energy and Mercy Corps, and an innovative solution was put in place to change the daily lives of these displaced people. A project to provide drinking water using solar technology was born. Launched on December 16, 2024, the project is part of a sustainable approach. The initiative involves the installation of a solar field of :
- 75 Gosola solar panels, each with a capacity of 580 kWp,
- a 30m3/h Grundfos pump,
- And a 37kW RSI controller capable of powering a water pumping system from the Kanyaruchinya health zone to Kibati, which will supply water by gravitation between the displaced people of Kanyaruchinya and those of Kibati, and which will be operational this year. This solution will make it possible to supply drinking water to a much larger number of people, thereby reducing health risks.
A model of resilience for the future
The initiative is not just about solar technology. It represents a true model of resilience. Once the project is up and running, the displaced people of Kanyaruchinya will gradually be able to rebuild their lives in a clean, stable environment, while helping to protect the environment through the use of solar energy.
This project is being carried out in partnership with Mercy Corps and GoShop, who are joining forces to bring about a significant change in the daily lives of vulnerable people. Thanks to this collaboration, a glimmer of hope is reborn.
Innovation for Water in Kanyaruchinya