Residents of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, have been battling for water, as the city experiences an unprecedented water shortage.
Taps have been dry for almost three weeks in Bangui, causing water hard to come by in their homes. As a result, many are forced to endure endless queues at water supply points, as they wait to fill their jerry cans with the precious liquid.
"We have a lot of problems. We go out as early as 3 am to fetch water," said Sandrine Lemba, a resident in Galabadjia District.
"I've been on my feet for four hours because of the water. It's not easy to find a single can of water, so I've been waiting to get some," said Stephanie Ngana, another resident.
Only one in three people in the Central African Republic has access to a basic water supply, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Such a shortage is caused by the lack of investment in the water supply and treatment network, one of the main reasons that the water distribution company, SODECA, recently halted the water supply.
Residents have been calling out to the authorities to intervene.
"We ask the government and our authorities to build us boreholes, so that the people can have water. Water is necessary and important. Water is life," said Lemba.
However, local authorities claim that efforts are already underway to bring water to the population.
"I've heard that the president has built many boreholes in other districts and in small villages. Construction is under way and we'll soon have our own. I'd like to appeal to the people of the eighth arrondissement (administrative district) to let the government do its job," said Rene Mandaba, head of the eigth arrondissement.
As residents await these developments, the quest to quench their thirsts remains challenging.
Residents battle water shortages in Bangui
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
