Senators have launched a nationwide tour to look into the root causes of water scarcity and identify solutions. ALSO READ: New WASAC boss sets agenda to end water shortages, boost sanitation The tour, which began on December 2 in Burera, Karongi and Kirehe districts, will cover multiple regions before concluding in Kigali on December 19. It follows a series of reports, most notably from the Auditor General, that highlighted supply gaps, aging infrastructure, and increasing pressure on water systems. Senator Fulgence Nsengiyumva said they are witnessing first-hand challenges that have left many households receiving limited or inconsistent water. “We are seeing different challenges in Northern Province, including insufficient water from the Mutobo plant and other sources,” he told The New Times. “Many pipelines are outdated and often fail before water reaches households.” ALSO READ: WASAC plans major Nzove upgrade as Kigali water demand surges He added that much of the water infrastructure is decades old and no longer aligned with current demand. “Some networks were built to serve about 20,000 people, but populations have grown significantly whereby these pipelines can no longer meet today’s needs,” he said. The committee plans to compile findings from district visits, and then submit recommendations to the government. “We selected districts based on recent research and existing reports. We are visiting those with the highest and lowest access levels and our advocacy will be grounded in both data and what we see on the ground,” Nsengiyumva added. ALSO READ: WASAC Group mulls ways to reduce non-revenue water losses The tour comes just days after the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) presented an ambitious five-year plan to nearly double the country’s daily water production. Recently appearing before the senate, WASAC chief executive Asaph Kabaasha said Rwanda aims to raise national production from the current 343,736 cubic metres to 688,686 cubic metres per day by 2029. “The plan is to significantly expand treatment capacity through the construction of 25 new water treatment plants with a combined daily capacity of over 359,000 cubic metres,” Kabaasha said. He added that two plants, Ngororero and Sake, are already operational, producing a combined 14,084 m³ per day and three more facilities namely Kivu Belt I, Muhazi I and Volcano Belt Phase I with a total capacity of 68,000 m³ per day are expected to be completed in 2025-2026. ALSO READ: One drop at a time: Rwanda’s journey to clean water for all An additional five plants, including Karenge, Mwange, Kagaga I, Ngoma River and Muhazi II, will add 96,000 m³ per day once completed between 2026 and 2027. “As construction progresses through 2027-2029, attention will shift to expanding transmission and distribution,” Kabaasha said. “Our pipeline network will grow from 35,001 kilometres to 39,639 kilometres, including 4,638 kilometres of new lines and 1,785 kilometres of rehabilitated sections.” ALSO READ: Parts of Kigali face two-day water supply interruption While acknowledging WASAC’s progress, senators urged the utility to ensure that the expansion remains affordable and sustainable. ALSO READ: Kagame tells senators to confront challenges, deliver results Senator Laétitia Nyinawamwiza stressed that water prices must remain accessible. “Water is a basic need. Expanding supply should go hand-in-hand with mechanisms that keep costs stable,” she said.
