Residents of four sectors in Huye district have reached a significant milestone with 100% water access – an achievement aligned with the government's ambitious goal of achieving nationwide access to clean water by 2024. Rwanda has committed substantial investments in the construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of 1,937 kilometers of water supply systems in the City of Kigali and other urban areas, as well as 1,851 kilometers in rural regions. ALSO READ: Gisagara embraces transformation as chipseal roads extend to local communities This objective will be met in accordance with Rwanda's existing water distribution policy, which allows residents in rural areas to access water within 500 meters and those in urban areas within 200 meters. This standard has now become a reality for the residents of Mbazi, Maraba, Simbi, and Ngoma sectors in Huye district, thanks to the successful completion of key water supply projects during the 2022/23 fiscal year. The achievement can be attributed to the allocation of resources from the national budget, funded by taxes, duties collected by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), as well as loans and grants obtained by the Rwandan government. ALSO READ: RRA recognises outstanding taxpayers in Southern Province Alice Kayitesi, the Governor of the Southern Province, noted that the past year has witnessed the completion of various projects that have substantially improved the quality of life for citizens. “Our primary focus was to expand water access for our people. In particular, the investments in water supply during the last fiscal year enabled four sectors in Huye district to achieve 100 per cent water access, eliminating the need for residents to travel beyond 500 meters in search of water,” she said. ALSO READ: Marizamunda warns against smuggling, calls for more EBM usage She added: “This is a matter of great significance, and we are committed to executing several projects in other districts to further enhance water access.” To achieve this, a 77.7 km Kigoma water supply line was constructed at a cost of over Rwf131 million, in addition to Simbi and Mbazi water supply lines, which spanned 125.3 kilometers and cost Rwf 247 million. Kamana André, the Vice Mayor of Huye, emphasized that the budget allocation had initiated numerous projects that have positively impacted the lives of the district's residents. These projects include the development of 4.9 kilometers of road networks in Mbazi and Tumba sectors at a cost of Rwf3.8 billion. Additionally, 56 shelters were constructed for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at a cost of about Rwf 933 million. Also, 12 nursery school rooms were established in Karama, Ruhashya, and Tumba sectors at a cost of Rwf 100 million, and five kitchens were built at a cost of Rwf 36 million. Kamana emphasized that continued tax compliance is crucial for the well-being of citizens, as improved road networks have enabled people to connect to markets and access essential services. Through the construction of houses for vulnerable individuals, Niyitegeka Alvera, a resident of Karama Sector, found her new home equipped with electricity, clean water, and a kitchen. “I used to rent a house and couldn't afford it. That's why I am thankful to the President for helping us, and now I am safe in my own house, she said. Governor Kayitesi urged business owners to adhere to tax laws, emphasizing that tax evasion is akin to stealing from one's own business. The achievements driven by tax revenue benefit us all. So, if we do not pay our taxes as required, the consequences affect all of us since we all reap the rewards of these achievements, she stated. She also called on all businesses to adopt and utilize the electronic invoicing system (EBM), encouraging both traders and customers to ensure they receive EBM receipts for all transactions. In addition to these accomplishments, other notable projects in Huye Sector from the last fiscal year include the construction of the Bukomeye - Taba suspended bridge in Mukura sector, costing nearly Rwf 40 million, and the Nyaruhombo (Rwaniro) suspended bridge at the cost of close to Rwf 43 million. Also, a Nyaruhombo Health post was established at the cost of Rwf 15 million.
