Sustainable access to drinking water for the communities bordering Lake Kivu thanks to reverse osmosis treatment: case of the volcanic city of Goma - GEMUDI Initiative

The initiative led by the Multisectoral Study Group for Integrated Development (GEMUDI) aims to ensure sustainable access to drinking water for the communities bordering Lake Kivu, with a particular focus on the volcanic city of Goma.

In this region, a large part of the population depends directly on the lake for domestic needs, often without treatment, which exposes residents to water-related diseases. To meet this challenge, the project captures lake water and treats it with a reverse osmosis system, capable of eliminating bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts and other contaminants, thus ensuring high-quality drinking water.

The treated water is then distributed to local communities, improving public health, food security and the quality of life for residents. The project also includes awareness-raising and education activities on the protection of water resources and the preservation of the lake’s aquatic ecosystems.

By combining technological innovation, environmental sustainability and social impact, this initiative contributes to strengthening the resilience of populations facing water-related challenges and serves as a model for sustainable management of water resources in the African Great Lakes region.