KIGALI - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo, last week signed a $16m grant from the Japanese government for phase 2 of a project to supply water to rural communities.

Speaking during the event, Mushikiwabo said that the government of Rwanda acknowledges the great support from the Japanese government in enhancing development in the Rwanda.

"We are looking forward to increasing the relationship between Rwanda and Japan,” she said.

Eleven sectors in Ngoma and Kirehe will be the beneficiaries of the grant which will be implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The grant is expected to help in building, renovating and expanding 7 facilities of water supply which will increase the population’s access to water from 41.6% to 57.4%.

The project will enable 55,000 people access safe drinking water, reducing child mortality caused by water related diseases as well as allowing women more time to engage in different income generating activities and providing more time for the children to study.

Phase one of the project was signed in June 2006.

Ends