Rulindo residents have been urged to preserve water sources in the area so as to help promote socio-economic development.

The call was made by Eng. Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, the State Minister for Energy and Water in the Ministry of Infrastructure while inaugurating Water Supply Systems in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District on Monday.

The infrastructure is an initiative by the Government in partnership with Water for People, a non-governmental organisation, to help residents of Rulindo and Kicukiro districts have access to clean water.

Water for People officials said the project will cover all the 17 sectors in Rulindo by 2017.

Over 60,000 people from four sectors namely Ntarabana, Burega Ngoma and Shyorongi are benefiting from the programme. The project is expected to cost $20m.

Isumbingabo said the government and other partners are working hard to put in place water facilities in all areas across the country.

She said Rwanda recognises the significance of water and that is why it has joined the world to celebrate the World Water Week, which is ongoing.

"We all know that water is life. The government has endeavoured to avail water across the country. As residents, it is your right to complain when you do not have clean water,” Isumbingabo said.

She said more Rwandans still need access to water and urged residents to preserve water sources.

"Take care of the water facilities in place to minimise the cost involved in repairs,” she said

She hailed Water for People for availing water to the needy people.

Isumbingabo said there is hope that the whole country will be covered by 2017.

"We appreciate your 15 per cent  contribution as a residents,” she said, adding that it is not a small contribution.  

Rulindo District mayor Justus Kwangwage said due to its geographical location, his district has for years experienced water scarcity.

He hailed Water for People and the government for bringing water to the area.

 Perpetue Kamuyumbu, the Water for People country director, said the project aims at achieving 100 per cent coverage by 2017.

"The programme seeks to help residents get water within a distance of 500 meters and have each public tap water point used by  not more than 300 people,” she said

Residents speak out

Saveline Sibomana, 59, a resident of Shyorongi Sector, said the area had suffered water shortage for many years.

 "We used to walk for long distances to fetch unclean water from Nyabugogo valley and streams. We had no clean water to drink. We are grateful because this project has given us access to clean water,” Sibomana said.