Jonas Seruvugo

Jonas is spearheading a citizen-led initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide clean water to communities by constructing water pipelines. By engaging local residents in the design and management processes, he ensures sustainable access to safe water, with a system that operates independently of electricity. 

Traditional emergency water delivery by NGOs mainly through costly and unreliable truck systems has proven ineffective, especially in conflict zones. Jonas offers a transformative alternative by involving communities directly in designing, building, and managing gravity-fed water systems. This innovative approach is tackling the systemic issues surrounding water scarcity and contamination, which currently affect millions of people. With approximately 68% of the population lacking access to safe drinking water, the DRC faces significant public health challenges, including frequent cholera outbreaks and rising incidents of sexual violence against women and girls who go to fetch water far from their homes. Before this initiative, women faced significant dangers. They would often trek long distances to fetch water after a long day of farming, putting them at risk of sexual violence. Today, in Rwanguba and surrounding areas, rape cases have plummeted to zero. This newfound safety is a monumental achievement, enabling women to thrive without fear. Now, women are stepping into roles of leadership within water management committees, a space historically dominated by men. With 43 committees established, women now hold 40% of the positions, marking a significant shift toward gender equity. For example, In the villages of Rwanguba, Rangira, and Kalehe, the impact is profound. Out of 35,000 beneficiaries in Rwanguba, 60% are women. Rangira mirrors this statistic, with women comprising 60% of its 25,000 beneficiaries. In Kalehe, the numbers soar even higher where by 80% of the 43,000 beneficiaries are women. Access to water points close to their homes has drastically reduced their daily fatigue, allowing them to avoid sexual violence precious time and energy.    

What makes this model feasible and scalable is that it uses a gravity water system that harnesses natural water flow from nearby mountains and hills, which not only ensures continuous access to clean water but also operates independently of electricity, making it a sustainable solution that addresses both immediate needs and long-term viability. Additionally, compared to other supply systems, it reduces costs, ensures resilience during power outages, and fosters local ownership and social cohesion as local residents contribute resources and are trained in maintaining the infrastructure. His model also includes community financing for long-term sustainability and addresses serious health risks from contaminated water. Despite facing resistance from some government workers, Jonas’s initiative presents a powerful, community-driven solution to water insecurity. Before Jonas intervention water conflicts once plagued communities, the situation has now shifted. Today, there is a reliable and uninterrupted water service across Rwanguba, Rangira, and Kalehe and rural-urban areas of Rutshuru, Jomba and Kiwaja, benefiting approximately 600,000 people with sustainable clean water solutions provided by Jonas Habimana. 

The impact of Jonas's work is profound. He has positively affected over 35,000 people in Rwanguba and 18,500 in Rangira just to cite a few entities and other areas in eastern DRC, with plans to expand to other provinces in western DRC. His initiatives have led to noticeable reductions in health-related expenses associated with waterborne diseases, allowing families to redirect funds towards education and business investments. Moreover, the health benefits are astounding. Previously, women using contaminated river water were highly susceptible to sexual infections. In Rwanguba, hospital infection cases have dropped dramatically from 50 to just 2, illustrating the direct impact of clean water access. Furthermore, access to clean water has contributed to a decline in gender-based violence and improved overall community safety. By establishing partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and USAID, Jonas is not only addressing immediate water needs but also advocating for sustainable practices in water management. His vision for a replicable, community-driven water system is paving the way for a more resilient future in the DRC, inspiring other NGOs to adopt similar approaches. 

The DRC faces a dire water crisis, with approximately 68% of its population lacking access to clean water, despite possessing 50% of Africa's water source deposits. This contradiction highlights a systemic failure in water management, exacerbated by corruption and ineffective governance. Communities suffer from various health issues, including cholera and typhoid outbreaks, and women and girls face heightened risks of sexual violence while collecting water. The government's inability to implement budgeted water projects further deepens poverty and inequality, as families are forced to travel long distances, sometimes up to 4 kilometers, to fetch water, often exposing them to dangerous situations, including kidnappings. 

The situation is particularly acute in Nyiragongo territory, where communities near Lake Kivu struggle to access reliable water sources. The reliance on rainwater tanks adds another layer of vulnerability, as these systems are frequently compromised by disease risks. NGOs have stepped in to address these challenges, but their humanitarian responses often lack sustainability, leading to high logistical costs and inefficiencies. Jonas recognizes that simply providing water is not enough; effective community mobilization and financial contributions are essential for long-term solutions. Access to clean and reliable water is a fundamental human right, yet millions still face significant challenges in obtaining this essential resource. One major issue is the reliance on electricity for water supply systems. Many communities depend on electric pumps and treatment facilities, which can lead to severe limitations, especially in regions with unstable power grids. When electricity is unavailable, water access becomes sporadic or entirely cut off, leaving households vulnerable and exacerbating health risks. 

Relying on third-party water management can create further complications, particularly in rural areas. These communities often face limited access to resources and infrastructure. When water management is outsourced to external companies, local needs may be overlooked, leading to inadequate service and mistrust. Such arrangements can result in higher costs for consumers and a lack of accountability for service quality. 

The lack of community engagement and the failure to foster local water management initiatives have resulted in unsustainable solutions for water supply. Many projects overlook the importance of involving local populations, operating under the assumption that they have little to contribute. This reliance on external expertise and engineers, without considering local realities, often leads to poorly adapted solutions. 

Once projects are completed, there is frequently a lack of maintenance and support, compromising their sustainability. Without local buy-in and ongoing management, these initiatives struggle to function effectively over time, leaving communities without reliable access to water. This disconnect not only undermines the success of the projects but also perpetuates cycles of dependency on external resources, further hindering long-term water security. 

Addressing this issue requires a shift toward inclusive practices that recognize the valuable insights and contributions of local communities. Engaging residents in the planning and implementation phases is crucial for creating water management solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

Jonas's strategy for developing sustainable water systems in the DRC starts with thorough research and engineering to design effective water capture and distribution systems.  

By employing GPS technology and topographic analysis in collaboration with engineers and locals, he designed systems tailored to local needs. These studies helped determine the most suitable pipeline types, the necessary number of reservoirs for social infrastructures, and appropriate materials given the geographical context and budget constraints. Water is captured from nearby mountains and directed through a sophisticated filtration system that includes layers of gravel, sand, clay, and mineral charcoal, supplemented by chlorine for purification. This approach ensures that clean water is delivered to communities via durable plastic pipelines designed to last over 50 years without being replaced, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional truck deliveries. 

Community engagement is vital to the success of Jonas’s water management initiatives, as local residents actively participate in both the design and installation processes. This involvement fosters a strong sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. 

Jonas begins by selecting the location for the water installation based on several key factors. He conducts a thorough risk analysis in collaboration with the community, assessing potential challenges together. A critical aspect of this process is ensuring that the distance between the water point and beneficiary households does not exceed 500 meters. Accessibility is paramount, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, who may struggle with longer distances. 

Once the location is determined, Jonas collaborates with the community to design the system. He evaluates their needs alongside the water committee, ensuring the process is inclusive. This means involving various segments of the community, including local leaders, sanitation officers, church and hospital representatives from nearby villages where water sources are found. By doing so, he guarantees that all voices—especially those of children, people with disabilities, and minority groups—are heard in the discussions. 

To manage the water system effectively, a local committee is established, led by a president who oversees operations and ongoing maintenance. This committee meets regularly, with performance reviews conducted every three months to monitor progress. Community members receive comprehensive training during the committee formation, focusing on water network maintenance, as well as administrative and financial management. Monthly refresher courses are held to reinforce best practices, ensuring that the system is managed effectively. 

Beyond logistics, the committee serves as a platform for sharing successful practices with other regions, fostering continuous improvement. Jonas conducts regular visits and meetings with the elected maintenance committees, providing essential guidance and encouraging a culture of shared responsibility. 

As a mobilizer for change, Jonas leads the installation process and acts as a WASH technical advisor to both the BIFERD WASH teams and the local water committee. His expertise and experience in the WASH sector empower communities to take charge of their water management, ensuring sustainable access to clean water for generations to come. 

To ensure sustainability, Jonas has established a flexible funding model, charging small fees per household and institutions like schools and hospitals. For maintenance and paying plumbers, the committee charges $1 per household and $5 for institutions such as schools and hospitals, which allows for sustainable financing. This structure ensures that even those who cannot afford to pay are supported by the community’s willingness to contribute. Backed by partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and World Vision, Jonas has successfully implemented water systems that have positively impacted over 35,000 people in Rwanguba and 18,500 in Rangira.  

Jonas has successfully established water systems that serve thousands of people, resulting in a significant public health improvement, with no cholera outbreaks reported since their implementation. His initiatives have also alleviated tensions between cattle herders and farmers by providing clean water, which has reduced conflicts over resources that previously led to livestock damaging crops. Looking ahead, Jonas aims to expand his efforts into Rwanda and Burundi, generating considerable interest from both government entities and NGOs, including Mercy Corps, which has adopted his model in regions like Ituri and Tshopo. As governments across the DRC begin to replicate his approach, Jonas is actively engaging communities to educate them on their roles before constructing new water points. He is also exploring funding opportunities from local companies and the diaspora to support further growth and sustainability.  

From a young age, Jonas felt a deep connection to water, often spending his days by the rivers near his village in the DRC. At just eight years old, he witnessed the struggles of his community as they fetched dirty water, which sparked his desire to understand the vital role that clean water plays in health and well-being. This early awareness motivated him to learn about water systems and their impact on his community's quality of life. Inspired by his surroundings, Jonas began volunteering with local initiatives, shadowing Ananis, a seasoned technician trained in water management techniques by a Belgian organization since the 1950s. This mentorship laid the foundation for Jonas's future in the water sector. 

During his secondary school years, Jonas gained hands-on experience by working alongside plumbers, and when the Italian association MONDOGUSTO offered training in water technology, he eagerly participated. After completing his university studies, he took a position as a water and sanitation officer in the Environmental Ministry.  Jonas founded BIFERD, then left it to do other things. Driven by a desire to create sustainable water solutions, he honed his expertise while working with international organizations like World Vision, Oxfam, and Tearfund in water programs. However, he quickly became frustrated with the lack of meaningful change from the numerous NGOs that operated in the area. Despite earning a good salary with World Vision as a Water Program Coordinator, Jonas decided to leave his job to invest full-time in his vision with BIFERD. He needed to be full time to improve water and sanitation in the DRC.  

In 2014 he developed the gravity flow water system; transforming it into a beacon of hope for countless communities and granting access to clean water for thousands of people. The idea for a community-led water management system took shape when Jonas recognized that community ownership and participation are key to sustainable water projects. BIFERD often provided solutions within a limited timeframe, but after project completion, it became imperative for communities to maintain their water networks independently.  

This insight ignited Jonas’s commitment to empowering local members, ensuring they acquired diverse skills, technical, administrative, and financial capacity for effective management. 

Initially, Jonas explored trucking as a short-term solution for water delivery. However, he quickly realized that this approach was unsustainable. When UNICEF offered $350,000 to support these trucking efforts, he made a bold decision to decline, opting instead to develop a more lasting alternative. 

Jonas’s dedication to empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, is evident in his comprehensive coaching and training programs. With two master’s degrees and extensive experience in humanitarian management, he navigates the challenges of working in insecure zones while prioritizing local labor. This strategy ensures community involvement and sustainability in every project he undertakes. 

By integrating technology with community engagement, Jonas fosters a profound sense of ownership and responsibility, paving the way for long-term success in water management and transforming lives across the regions served by BIFERD.