The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) is currently implementing a series of large-scale infrastructure upgrades across Kigali to address a 60,000m3 daily production deficit that has necessitated water rationing in the capital.
These initiatives, which include expanding three major treatment plants and rehabilitating aging distribution networks, are part of the Kigali Water Supply Master Plan aimed at achieving stable water supply for the capital by 2029.
According to the utility, Kigali’s current daily water demand is estimated at 200,000 cubic metres per day, while existing production capacity stands at 140,000 cubic metres.
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Asaph Kabaasha, the Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group, explained that the gap is the primary driver behind the current water interruptions.
The infrastructure push involves significant upgrades to the Nzove, Karenge, and Kanzenze water treatment plants, as part of a $22 million rehabilitation project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Kigali.
WASAC management said that these projects are designed to solve the underlying issues of insufficient production and water losses, which currently stand at 35 percent in the city.
"To increase water production and address the current supply deficit, several major water supply projects are underway,” Kabaasha told The New Times.
"The Nzove Water Treatment Plant, which currently produces 80,000 cubic metres per day, is being upgraded to reach a total capacity of 150,000 m³/day.”
Kabaasha said that an additional 25,000 m³/day of capacity from Nzove is expected to be added in 2026.
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The upgrade also affects 36,000 m³/day from Karenge Water Treatment Plant in Rwamagana that is being expanded to supply an additional 30,000 m³/day to Kigali by 2027.
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The utility is also focusing on the Kanzenze Water Treatment Plant in Bugesera, which currently contributes 30,000 m³/day to Kigali’s network.
These production increases will be further bolstered by the Nyabarongo II Dam, which is expected to add significant volume to the system.
The necessity of these projects is reflected in the daily lives of residents in sectors such as Kigarama, Gikondo, and Jabana, where dry taps have become a recurring challenge.
In Kigarama Sector, Shemsa Mugabekazi explained that the recent interruptions have made basic activities like cooking and hygiene difficult for families.
"Things have been different lately, and it’s hitting us hard. We are spending more hours just looking for water somewhere,” Mugabekazi said.
She further noted that for those with indoor plumbing, the lack of water creates additional sanitation risks.
Felix Bizumuremyi, another resident of Kigarama, said taps in his neighborhood have been dry for a week.
He noted that while a jerrican of water usually costs Rwf200 in times of scarcity, the price has increased to Rwf500-700 recently.
"Even when the water does flick on for a moment, it vanishes again instantly,” Bizumuremyi said.
The situation is similar in Jabana Sector, where Gratien Kubwimana said some areas have been without stable water supply for nearly a month.
He emphasized the importance of communication from the utility provider regarding rationing schedules.
"We are asking the authorities to keep us informed. If there is a shortage or planned rationing, let us know beforehand so we can store enough in advance,” Kubwimana said.
Addressing these concerns, Asaph Kabaasha clarified that the rationing program is a management tool, not an indication of a critical water shortage.
He noted that customers may experience planned interruptions of one or two days to allow other areas to receive supply.
Curbing water loss
Beyond production, WASAC is working to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which refers to water lost through leakages or illegal connections.
While the national NRW rate is 38 percent, Kigali’s rate is currently 35 percent with a target to reduce it to 25 percent by 2029, Kabaasha said.
"One notable example is the Kaizen Project, supported by JICA, which focuses on optimizing manpower, materials, and mobility. This approach has already yielded significant results at the Kacyiru branch, where NRW dropped from 41 percent to 25 percent,” he said.
WASAC management said that the intervention involves the rehabilitation and expansion of the water distribution network, construction of reservoirs, and installation of valves, flow meters, and monitoring systems to reduce water losses and improve pressure management.
The management added that the rehabilitation and upgrade activities will be extended to other parts of Kigali as additional funding becomes available.
The utility has also begun piloting smart water meters at public taps and plans to roll them out to households.
These digital tools, alongside GIS-based mapping of the water network, are intended to help technical teams detect and repair leakages faster, according to the utility.
Kabaasha emphasized that while emergency repairs and technical failures can sometimes cause unplanned disruptions, the long-term goal is a complete transition to a stable system.
"Together, these projects are expected to significantly strengthen water production and ensure long-term water security by 2029,” he said.