FEATURED - Nyarugenge-Bugesera: WaterAid Rwanda launches WASH Project to improve clean water access

Walking for hours to fetch water is something Flora Mukansanga, a resident of Nyarugenge sector, had to deal with daily. But thanks to WaterAid Rwanda, her burden has been lifted. “This initiative came at a crucial time, and we are truly grateful. We used to collect dirty water, but now we have clean water and can maintain proper hygiene,” she said. WaterAid Rwanda, with support from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MOFA Japan), inaugurated the Nyarugenge Water Supply and Sanitation Project on Friday, January 31, aiming to enhance access to clean water and sanitation for residents in Bugesera District, Nyarugenge sector. The project includes the construction of a 28.2 km water pipeline, two storage tanks, 27 new water points and 10 rehabilitated. Additionally, toilet blocks have been built in three schools and two health facilities, along with two handwashing stations. ALSO READ: How WaterAid Rwanda distributed clean water to almost one million people Vestine Mukeshimana, Country Director of WaterAid, emphasized the importance of clean water for public health and sustainable development. “Everyone deserves access to clean water and proper hygiene. Nyarugenge was one of the areas that lacked clean water. While we cannot cover the entire country, we prioritized Bugesera District as a starting point to assess the impact of our efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to clean water and sanitation.” Mukeshimana noted that the project has directly benefited 11,400 residents, including schools and health centers. “This infrastructure ensures a sustainable water supply for the community, made possible through funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Japan,” she added. ALSO READ: Inside WaterAid Rwanda’s Rwf25.5 billion programme She also urged residents to use the water responsibly and safeguard the facilities. “We ask the beneficiaries to use this resource efficiently, understand its importance, and take responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure,” she said. The project, which began in April 2024, was implemented with an investment of Rwf y750 million. According to Mukeshimana, this marks the third clean water initiative delivered by WaterAid in collaboration with Japan, benefiting over 49,000 people in the past four years. Cyprien Sibikwekwe, the Managing Director of Ayateke Star Company Ltd, the firm responsible for construction, explained that the water source is located at a Water Treatment Plant located in Ngenda, Bugesera District. “We tapped into the water from the Ngenda Water Treatment Plant’s storage tank and built 27 new public water points for residents. Additionally, we rehabilitated ten existing water points to ensure better access,” he said. ALSO READ: One drop at a time: Rwanda’s journey to clean water for all Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera District, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to ensuring universal water access. “Bugesera is on a journey to make water available to every citizen. This starts with building Water Treatment Plants to process clean water for distribution. So far, we have three Water Treatment Plants in operation,” he said. Mutabazi noted the importance of partnerships in achieving this goal. “Today, with the support of WaterAid and Japan, we have extended clean water access in Nyarugenge sector through a new distribution system. “The new pipeline will significantly reduce the distance residents have to travel for water. We want water to be accessible to everyone without requiring long journeys. This project alone will improve access for 11,400 residents,” Mutabazi added. He also called on the community to protect the infrastructure and maintain hygiene. “We urge residents to safeguard the facilities, use water wisely, and contribute to repairing any damage to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.

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FEATURED - Nyarugenge-Bugesera: WaterAid Rwanda launches WASH Project to improve clean water access