Almost two years ago, Gatumba village in western Burundi was devastated by heavy rains triggered by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which caused floods affecting nearly 300,000 people nationwide. Among those impacted was 39-year-old Jeanine Ndabazaniye, a mother of ten, who lost her home and belongings. Today, she and other displaced residents are gradually rebuilding their lives in Gateri, a resettlement area with housing support from the UN Global Emergency Fund (CERF).
In Gateri, more than 250 shelters were constructed by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with CERF funding, alongside 80 additional shelters by the Burundi Red Cross. Families have the option to upgrade these semi-durable shelters into permanent homes using locally made bricks, creating a foundation for long-term stability for over 6,000 residents, with capacity for an additional 4,000 people.
Efforts to promote food security and self-reliance have been integral to the village’s recovery. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supported residents with tools, seeds, and guidance for household and communal gardens, allowing them to grow their own food. The World Food Programme (WFP) provided cash support, enabling families to start income-generating activities and establish local marketplaces to meet their daily needs.
Health services have also been strengthened through the establishment of a new health centre, funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) with CERF support. The centre offers essential services including reception, labour ward, consultations, and a pharmacy, while also providing reproductive health care and protection against gender-based violence. UN Women and UNFPA have contributed services aimed at supporting women, girls, and youth.
Safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure have been installed by UNICEF, ensuring access to clean water and latrines throughout the village. Residents previously faced significant challenges in accessing water, relying on distant rivers under difficult conditions. These improvements form part of a broader push toward sustainability and self-reliance, ensuring that Gateri functions as an integrated, autonomous community rather than a continuous humanitarian site.
The resettlement and recovery efforts in Gateri demonstrate a comprehensive response to climate-induced displacement, addressing housing, livelihoods, food security, health, and water needs. Through coordinated support from CERF and UN agencies, families like Jeanine’s are reclaiming their lives, becoming self-sufficient, and setting an example of resilience for other vulnerable communities in Burundi.
