A water reservoir and treatment plants, set to be constructed in Nyanza, are expected to address water shortages in the district.

The scheme is part of a US$120 million East African Community Lake Victoria Basin Commission (EAC LVBC) water project, expected to extend potable water to about 1.7 million East African citizens by 2016.

The project seeks to provide clean water and ensure sanitation in 15 growing cities in the East African Community (EAC) member states– three cities in each country.

Dr Canisius Kanangire, the executive secretary of EAC LVBC, said choosing the beneficiary cities was done through consultancy in the five EAC countries.

He said among the factors under consideration were population, waste and the state of water services in those cities.

He was speaking on Monday during a visit to the site.

The water treatment plant will be able to supply clean water to about 35,000 Nyanza residents.

"We expect that [access] to clean water and getting rid of wastes will be achieved by August next year,” he said.He said they will ensure the project meets the deadline.

"We want all works to be completed by August 2016. We will continue to monitor to ensure that contractors finish work on time,” Kanangire said.

In Rwanda, three cities, namely Nyanza, Nyagatare and Kayonza, are benefiting from the project to extend potable water to about 91,000 people.

The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Clement Gafishi, who works with LVBC project in Rwanda and its Liaison Officer at Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), said the project would help address the problem of water shortages experienced mainly during dry seasons.

The water reservoir, with a storage capacity of 2,6 million cubic meters, will help ensure constant water supply even during dry season, he said.

On the other hand, a water treatment plant will be set up in Mukingo Sector with capacity to treat 5,000 cubic meters of water per day, far higher than the current plant, which treats 1,000 cubic meters per day.

Nyanza mayor Abdallah Murenzi said the district is among the areas facing acute water shortage in the country as access to clean water stands at 65 per cent.

He said the district targets to increase access to clean water to 70 per cent by the end of the current financial year.

Nyanza town has been sharing 1,500 cubic meters per day with Ruhango town, according to Murenzi.

"This is little amount compared to the current demand, but if we get 4,000 cubic meters, demand in the city will be met.

‘‘Accessing clean water among Nyanya households will reach 80 per cent,” he said.

Dr Kanangire said the project implementation started in 2013, with urgent interventions such as constructing toilets and washroom blocks, making water channels in flood prone areas to prevent water from destroying properties including houses, land and roads.

According to the 2013/14 Integrated Household Living Conditions (EICV4), water and sanitation in Rwanda improved with households using improved sanitation (toilets) increasing from 74.5 per cent in 2011 to 83.4 per cent in 2014.

During the same period households with access to improved sources of drinking water increased from 74.2 per cent to 84.8 per cent.

The site visits continues in Nyagatare and Kayonza today.

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