Regideso: Bubanza Residents Fall into Open Manholes in Burundi

• More than four people have fallen into open Regideso manholes in Bubanza, Burundi, resulting in injuries.
• Residents are calling for swift action to replace metal covers on Regideso's manholes and secure public spaces.
• The situation highlights a broader issue affecting Burundi's cities: dilapidated or uncovered structures on public roads pose a risk to passersby, especially children.

According to eyewitness accounts, more than four people have already fallen into these uncovered manholes and suffered injuries.

In Bubanza, Burundi's western province, a concerning trend has emerged: Regideso's water distribution network is riddled with open manholes. These gaping openings, often located on public roads, pose a significant danger to residents, particularly children who frequent these areas. According to eyewitness accounts, more than four people have already fallen into these uncovered manholes and suffered injuries. The situation has become increasingly worrying for locals, who are calling for swift action to secure the affected areas.

The absence of metal covers on Regideso's manholes has led residents to resort to makeshift solutions. Wooden planks are being placed over some openings, but these temporary fixes are precarious and do not provide a long-term solution. The local administration has acknowledged the issue and is encouraging residents to use planks as a temporary measure while a permanent solution is sought.

The open manholes in Bubanza are not only a hazard for pedestrians but also a potential haven for criminals. Residents have expressed concerns that these unsecured openings could be used as hiding places, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Theft has become a significant issue in downtown Bubanza, and the authorities' failure to secure public spaces has exacerbated this problem.

The situation in Bubanza highlights a broader issue affecting Burundi's cities: dilapidated or uncovered structures on public roads pose a risk to passersby, especially children. These hazards are often most pronounced at night when visibility is reduced. Residents are urging local authorities and relevant services to identify at-risk infrastructure and take swift action to protect road users.

As the entity responsible for Burundi's water distribution network, Regideso bears a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of public spaces. The company's failure to secure its manholes has led to a series of accidents and injuries, which could have been prevented with proper maintenance.

Lawyers advising clients on infrastructure projects in Burundi should be aware of the risk of liability for accidents caused by unsecured or dilapidated structures. They should recommend that their clients take proactive measures to secure public spaces and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Lawyers advising clients on infrastructure projects in Burundi should be aware of the risk of liability for accidents caused by unsecured or dilapidated structures, and recommend that their clients take proactive measures to secure public spaces.

Source: Original reporting via Photo of the week-Bubanza : Regideso’s open manholes become “gravelands” for passersby