EASTERN PROVINCE
 
KAYONZA — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Thursday inaugurated a Frw245m water supply project aimed at increasing access to safe drinking water in Kayonza District.

The project will provide 22,000 people with potable water. The ceremony was held at Ruramira Primary School and the project is to benefit residents of Kabarondo, Ruramira and Kigarama.

"This project will provide beneficiaries with water that is sufficient in terms of quantity and quality,” said Tobias Epprecht, head of the ICRC delegation in Rwanda. He said that the work that was done involved upgrading and expanding the water-supply network in the three localities.

Epprecht, added that the work was carried out in partnership with Electrogaz, (the national water and power distribution utility) and the local population.

To ensure its sustainability, ICRC supported the establishment of a water management scheme in rural areas around Kabarondo and Ruramira.

In addition, it supported Electrogaz to take over responsibility for the technical management of a pumping station near Bunono.

The Mayor of Kayonza Damas Muhororo  expressed his appreciation saying that the project would benefit residents and those living close by. He urged the beneficiaries to jealously guard the water installations.

"It is a great achievement and everyone has to ensure it is well maintained,” said Muhororo.  

The project was launched in January 2005. According to ICRC, a similar project is in the pipeline in Mbazi, Huye District in the Southern Province-which once completed; would benefit about 10,000 people.

The function was attended by the National Coordinator of Water and Sanitation programme in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Albert Yaramba¬ – who represented the Minister of Infrastructure –  the Managing Director of Electrogaz, and Mayors from area districts.

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