At least 5,235 families in Gahengeri Sector, Rwamagana District can now access clean water following the inauguration of a 13.2-kilometre water supply system, last week.

Previously only two cells in the Sector accessed clean drinking water.

The development is a big step forward in efforts by Rwanda to achieve access to clean water for all by 2020.

Access to clean water, plays a critical role in national development, especially in the rural areas. Lack of water in rural areas means that people have to walk long distances to fetch water, and the majority of these are usually children and women. As a result some children will miss school or go late to school as a result of walking a long distance to fetch water.

The Government of Rwanda is making steady progress in improving access to safe water and sanitation services as the country targets 100% access to clean water by 2020.

However, with 25% of the population still not having access to clean water, it means that efforts have to be doubled to meet the target in the next five years.

More initiatives have to be mooted by the concerned stakeholders to address the challenge of access to water.

Although a number of initiatives are in place, many people in the rural areas cannot afford clean tap water, and collect water from local streams and ponds, which put them at risk of contracting waterborne diseases.

More water projects like the one in Gahengeri are needed across the country to address the challenge, especially in the rural areas. Such efforts will ensure that every Rwandan will have access to safe and clean water within their homes, and subsequently this will contribute to achieving the country’s vision 2020 development targets.