Congolese and Burundian people are using tractors to traverse a 4km stretch of road flooded by Lake Tanganyika to reach the Kamvinvira border post between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
For over six months, travelers have been paying between 2,000 and 5,000 FC to ride in heavy trucks or Land Cruiser jeeps to the border. Those with fewer financial resources can opt for canoes, which cost 2,000 FC.
Safi Mugoli, a resident of Uvira traveling to Bujumbura, describes the situation as catastrophic and unprecedented. “The road to the border is under water, so we cross by canoes or farming tractors. Sometimes we fall into the water and risk drowning. We’re asking the State to help us with this customs road,” she said.
Faced with these hardships, many are urging the Congolese government to find an urgent solution to facilitate traffic between the two countries and aid local residents, especially small traders. “We sleep under tents with the children, we suffer a lot because we have nowhere to go. Even to go to the market, we have to take a canoe. If you don’t have money, you have to swim. The women are suffering from infections and we’re desperate,” one resident said.
The South Kivu provincial government, through its spokesman, acknowledged the impact of rising water levels at the border. “There were pillars already built that were submerged every time the water rose and blocked the work. A bridge is under construction to allow regular crossings. What has been done at Kamvinvira can also be done at Sange, so we’re not standing still and are always looking for solutions. As long as the government is present, solutions will always be found,” he said.
While the provincial government seeks a solution, the Kamvinvira border remains the primary route to Bujumbura for many travelers, as Burundi has closed its other borders with Rwanda.
