KCB Bank Rwanda staff in partnership with World Relief Rwanda, an NGO involved in provision of clean water, have donated five water tanks to Bugesera residents as part of the bank’s efforts to support communities through corporate social responsibility.

The water reservoirs worth Rwf6 million were handed over to community leaders and residents by George Odhiambo, the KCB Bank Rwanda acting managing director, on Friday.

Each has the capacity of 10,000 litres. The facilities are expected to benefit a total of 2,500 residents from different sectors of Bugesera District, including Ntarama, Gashora, Ririma and Julu. Each reservoir has the capacity to serve 500 residents, according to officials from the two organisations.

While handing over the tanks at an event which took place at Ntarama Anglican Church of Rwanda Diocese, Odhiambo said the donation intends to respond to the needs of the community besides providing them financial solutions.

Bugesera district is one of the areas with scarcity of water. Residents sometimes resort to fetching water from unsafe water sources.

According to the bank, the provision of water tanks will help the community to harvest rainwater during the rainy season and use during the dry season.

The community will also organise themselves to collectively buy clean water and fill the tanks during the dry seasons allowing them to access clean water, community leaders said at the event.

"The bank strives to improve the welfare of the community… The type of life led by an individual and what affects their domestic needs influences their efforts to achieve economic transformation and financial independence,” said Odhiambo.

Speaking at the event, Priscilla Uwiragiye, the Bugesera District vice-mayor in charge of social affairs, appreciated the bank for the support, adding that the donation is an indication that the bank cares for the development of the country, "a situation that starts with improvement of citizens’ welfare.”

She urged the beneficiaries to use the reservoir responsibly.

The event brought together district officials, World Relief and KCB Bank staff and board members, as well as Nyamata residents.Beneficiaries speak out

Claudine Mukankundiye, a resident of Nyamabuye village in Ntarama sector, said they used to walk long distances to the nearest water point, adding that the tanks would enable residents to access clean water.

Esperance Minani thanked the bank, saying that access to water is essential in the fight against some diseases, especially those caused by drinking unsafe water.