WASHINGTON, December 10, 2025 — A new drinking water treatment plant in Bujumbura will soon add 60,000 m³ of clean water per day to the city’s supply, improving reliable access for families and businesses.
The newly approved Water Supply and Sanitation Access Project (PAEPA) will expand clean water access to 615,000 people nationwide, including approximately 490,000 residents of Bujumbura who will receive safe and reliable water supply directly to their homes. The project will also deliver basic sanitation services to 55,000 people living in rural areas, helping reduce waterborne diseases and improve community health.
“Access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental for any country’s development. Recognizing this essential need, the Water Supply and Sanitation Access Project (PAEPA) in Burundi is being implemented through a Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA), which enables regional knowledge sharing,” said Babacar Faye, World Bank Group Country Manager for Burundi.
Burundi continues to face significant challenges in water and sanitation access, especially in underserved rural areas, while climate change is putting pressure on existing, fragile infrastructure. The government’s ongoing reforms aim to transform the sector, open the door to greater private-sector participation, and mobilize substantial future investments.
To support these goals, the World Bank Group has approved PAEPA, financed through a $80 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA)*. This operation marks the Bank’s first water and sanitation engagement in Burundi in over 15 years, signaling a renewed commitment to improving essential services nationwide.
Demonstrating strong ownership and leadership, the Government of Burundi is contributing $10 million in counterpart funding to invest in resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Beyond infrastructure, the project will help improve the Water and Electricity Production and Distribution Authority’s (REGIDESO) performance, reduce water losses, and support private operators delivering services in rural communities. It will also contribute to long-term water security through a transboundary aquifer management plan.
This new operation supports Burundi’s development priorities and aligns with the World Bank’s mission to build climate-resilient infrastructure while strengthening governance, human capital, and job creation in the WASH sector.
*The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 78 poorest countries, 40 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.3 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has provided $563 billion to 116 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $34.5 billion over the last three years (FY22-FY24), with about 70 percent going to Africa. Learn more online: IDA.worldbank.org. #IDAworks
Contact:
In Bujumbura: Ange Dany Gakunzi,+257 76 304 000, agakunzi@worldbankgroup.org
In washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla, (202) 473-4989, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org
