‘The hill unit, a driver for development’

The site of Jerusalem, Kigwena commune where returnees from Tanzania live, was granted a public tab to prevent cholera. -By J.Berchmans Siboniyo

The public tab being opened at Jerusalem hill ©Iwacu

A new public tab and tens of houses at Gashasha hill were opened on Friday 24 October to prevent cholera infection. Toilets and kitchens were also built. Gloriose Nimenya, the governor of Bururi province salutes the efforts to help the province and asks the Red Cross (RC), the government and different partners to continue their good work. “Water tabs and health centers are still needed in different localities of the province especially in Burambi and Buyengero communes. We need more help.”

Marc Gedopt, the Ambassador of Belgium in Burundi says that even though the RC is striving for development, “the main task must come from the population itself. There can’t be development where people increase incessantly. Birth limitation is needed. People need to work hard. Not one country has been developed without the will of its population. Burundians have to avoid dependence and learn how to fly with their own wings”, he says in reply to the governor’s speech.

Pamphile Kantabaze, the Chairman of the Red Cross in Burundi highlights that he and the institution he represents have much interest in Burundian society especially in training people of the hill units in the whole country in first aid. He says that in the election period “each polling booth will be provided with volunteers to help in first aid in case there is an accident at the place.” He also indicates that the RC will install a community radio station during the period to inform people of the process.

Mr. Thomas, who represented the ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicates that the Red Cross has intervened in many different and difficult situations. “That is why the government will do all the best to support the institution. When the Red Cross asked for a new agreement, the government didn’t delay. We will keep on doing all we can.” The annual Red Cross partner meeting took place on Thursday 23 October 2014 with the theme ‘the hill unit, a driver for development’. The Red Cross Burundi availed itself of the occasion to present its achievements and the perspectives to different partners and delegations from around the world.