The Blue Community can welcome its first partner in the African country of Burundi: Radio Bonesha FM, located in Bujumbura, on Lake Tanganyika.
Radio Bonesha FM was founded on 19 February 1996 by the AAH (Association for Humanitarian Action). It was established at the height of the crisis that was engulfing Burundi.
The radio station’s objectives are: «Promoting dialogue, reconciliation, cohesion and social justice; promoting human rights and sustainable development; ensuring the well-being of citizens; and promoting peace and security for all.»
Its mission is defined as follows: «Working together with the population to prevent conflicts, support reconciliation efforts and promote positive actions for peace and community development; improve living standards and public health; support youth initiatives; and empower women’s organisations.»
Willy Kwizera, a journalist at Radio Bonesha FM, explains why the radio station wants to become a Blue Community:
«As we regularly raise awareness among decision-makers to encourage them to fulfil their environmental protection responsibilities, especially with regard to rivers and lakes, and as we encourage the public to preserve the environment through our work as journalists, we want to become a Blue Community to gain more knowledge and accomplish this noble mission, which benefits the population greatly.
To achieve this, we plan to use radio programmes and news reports. By collaborating with the Blue Community, we hope that our voice will reach far and wide, and that knowledge will continue to grow. Joining the Blue Communities network will help us protect the population.»
Bonesha FM aims to promote and defend the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation by running awareness campaigns, protecting water resources, and mobilising communities. This will help to guarantee a healthy environment and improved living conditions for everyone.
Bonesha FM aims to encourage administrative authorities to:
- Adopt and implement laws that guarantee equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services for all.
- Construct and maintain adequate water networks, public toilets, drainage systems and sanitation facilities.
- Raise awareness of good hygiene practices, such as waste and wastewater management and collection.
Bonesha FM plans the following future contributions:
- Raise awareness of the installation of public water points.
- Install fountains and water filling stations in schools, markets, hospitals and public spaces.
- Support laws and programmes that promote universal access to safe drinking water and limit the excessive use of plastic.
«Radio Bonesha FM is fighting for transparency and good governance to support the responsible, transparent and efficient management of public water and sanitation services.»
Souleymane Guindo, Blue Community coordinator for the French-speaking Africa, welcomes the new partner:
«Dear friends of Radio Bonesha FM,
Being a Blue Community undoubtedly means contributing to the rational and sustainable management of water for all.
That is why I welcome you and wish you every success in your mission.»
