EASTERN PROVINCE: Rwamagana — Rwanda and Japan have launched a joint-venture project for the improvement of water supply and sanitation in the Eastern Province.

The project operates in 4 districts of Rwamagana, Kayonza, Kirehe and Ngoma in the Eastern Province.

"The project is one of the technical cooperation schemes which forms part of an economic cooperation scheme for developing countries,” Fujii Shoji, a JICA expert and chief advisor of the project said.

He said the project focuses on capacity building amongst Eastern Province leaders to make proper follow ups of JICA water projects which are under construction in the Eastern Province. 

"The project is in its first phase that started in April this year till September. In this phase we are identifying the present situation, what kind of requirements are required and what kind of capacity needs to be built. In phase two we will do the actual activities for capacity building,” Ishikkawa Takeo, who signed the memorandum of understanding, said. 

Rwanda’s water-sanitation policy was first formulated in 1992, revised in 1997 and 2001, and was finally formulated in 2004 as a guideline for effective use of water resources.  The policy is also related to Millennium Development Goals and the government’s Vision 2020.Goals of the program are to increase access to clean water from the current 52% to 66% by 2010, to 85% by 2015 and finally to 100% by 2020. 

In closing remarks, Executive Secretary Charles Gasana called for sustainable operation and maintenance of water systems and sanitation services.

He expressed optimism that with an increment of six percent of water supply annually, all residents in Eastern Province will have got access to clean water by the year 1014.Ends