Ten days after the outbreak of Nyiragongo, the consequences are very important. Infrastructure repairs have begun in Goma and alternative solutions are being found, but their rehabilitation is likely to take a long time, as refugees are gradually returning to their city.
Work is underway to at least partially restore the water and electricity networks in Goma. The high-voltage line blown down by the lava flow has not yet been repaired, but a temporary solution has been found: with the support of the European Union, the private companies Virunga and Socode have joined the Rwandan electricity grid. This allowed Kituku water pumping station to restart. It serves southwest of the city of Goma.
Other infrastructure damaged by volcanic eruption north of Goma, the Bukhara water reservoir and its pipes are being rehabilitated and may be operational again at the end of June.
On the other hand, it will take months and months to rehabilitate the underground water network in the city center and east of Goma, it is a titanic project, comments the coordinator of the Unicef programs in the region.
Officially, 40 to 50% of millions and a half residents of the provincial capital North Kivu are deprived of water. Certainly much more, according to a private operator. Tanks have been placed in poorly equipped areas.
Ten days after the eruption of Nyiragongo, a few thousand inhabitants among the 400,000 who fled from Goma begins to return to the city, despite the order to evacuate ten blocks, still in force. A modest return of the displaced, motivated by various reasons, as explained by Jean Méténier, the coordinator of the Unicef program in the Eastern DRC.
The first reason is concern, to secure their property; Secondly, they note that the situation in Goma, since last Thursday, has de facto been relatively calm. The third factor is the cost of living. It seems that places like Sake, Rutsguru, the cost of basic necessities has increased exponentially
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