Rwamagana – Muhazi water plant that serves parts of Kayonza and Rwamagana districts will have its capacity increased from 1,600 cubic meters, to 3,200 cubic meters.The Rwf7.5bn expansion project is set to be completed by the end of the year. It is jointly funded by the Government of Rwanda, African Development Bank and PINEAR.The expansion news was disclosed by Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) officials, yesterday, while responding to residents’ growing concern over water shortage.According to Joseph Sematabaro, the in charge of water treatment at Muhazi Water Plant, the process of expansion was at an advanced stage.He explained that the water shortage was due to the plant’s low capacity to serve the ever growing population."It is estimated that one family in the rural area uses 20 liters of water per day, while an urban dwelling one uses 80 liters per day. Basing on this supposition, there is a serious water deficit for our population. The expansion however, will allow us produce 3,600 cubic centimeters per day, and help solve the issue,” he said.The revelation comes as good news for residents of these areas, who have been struggling to come to terms with water rationing.Muhazi water plant was constructed in 1986, with capacity of producing 800 cubic meters per day. Today, it produces 1,600 cubic meters per day. Sematabaro added that the expansion would see each family receive enough water and that the project won’t go beyond this year."The water situation in Rwamagana is not alarming; in fact, Rwamagana residents have more access to water than any other in the Province. Rwamagana water access is at 85 per cent, while in Gatsibo, for instance, it is at 29 per cent,” he said.Mukarange sector of Kayonza district is also expected to benefit from increased supply of water.A new water plant at Kazabazana currently produces 450 cubic meters per day."At least 2,000 cubic liters per day will be pushed to Kayonza by the project. In sectors we serve in Kayonza district, water consumption is relatively low…we only need 800 cubic meters per day,” Sematabaro noted.EWSA Rwamagana branch manager, Emery Karemera called for stakeholders to jealously guard water and electricity infrastructure jealously."EWSA has at least one person in every sector to oversee the infrastructure. It is important that as we work to increase production, we don’t spoil what we alreadyHave. We need sustainable infrastructure development,” he said.Muhazi water plant is located on the shores of Lake Muahazi.