Burundi calls for water protection to manage environmental problems

The Burundian government on Tuesday called on the public to protect water resources as waste and poor management has caused environmental problems such as soil degradation, drought and pollution in the eastern African country.

To mark the World Water Day on Tuesday, Burundian Water Minister Emmanuel Niyonkuru said in a statement that the Burundian people should protect mountains, forests, rivers and other water catchments as water is an economic richness for the country.

Located in Africa's Great Lake region, Burundi has a tropical rainforest climate that usually brings heavy and frequent rainfall throughout the year.

However, the country faces some environmental problems such as a reduction of water reserves and water pollution due to a lack of water management and undue deforestation around the country.

Rainwater should be seen as an "opportunity" instead of a trouble, Niyonkuru said, adding that it contributes to poverty and disease reduction, environmental conservation as well as economic growth. Endi