The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) in partnership with The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) on Tuesday, March 19th, launched "The Transformative Rwanda Water Supply and Sanitation Program” Phase 1, a significant milestone in Rwanda’s quest to scale up water access nationwide for a suitable development and improved public health.

The six-year program is backed by a total investment of $274.2 million, and represents a collaborative effort between the AfDB, Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), and the Government of Rwanda.

With the AfDB contributing $199.5 million, Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF) $50 million, and the Government of Rwanda $24.7 million, the program aims to address critical gaps in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

The overall development objective of this program is to improve access to water supply and sanitation services in Rwanda. This will include strengthened water resources management and operational performance of water and sanitation service providers in line with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST-1) and Vision 2050 objectives.

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According to WASAC Group, the program’s implementation will involve investments in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across various regions of Rwanda, with a phased approach based on budget availability.

Key components of Phase 1 include the rehabilitation of the Nzove I Water Treatment Plant (WTP), construction of water supply systems in Nyaruguru-Huye-Gisagara, Mwange-Gicumbi, Muhazi, Mugesera, and the Kivu Belt, as well as the development of sanitation facilities in public institutions such as schools, markets, and health centers.

Notable projects under Phase 1 include the rehabilitation of the Nzove I WTP, which will restore water production to its design capacity of 40,000 m3 per day, from the current 13,000 m3, benefiting an additional 227,000 people.

In addition, the construction of the Nyaruguru-Huye-Gisagara water supply system on Akanyaru River in Nyaruguru district will serve over 1.2 million people from 30,316 m3 per day to 37,544 m3 per day by 2050, while the Mwange water supply system with a water production capacity of 34,000 m3 per day in Gicumbi district will benefit approximately 210,000 people.

Furthermore, the expansion of water supply systems Phase II in Mugesera, located in the Eastern province within Ngoma District, will produce 12,450m3 of clean water per day to serve 466,000 people in 7 sectors, complementing phase I, hence achieving the full district’s coverage.

Kivu Belt project in western province will further contribute 8,895m3 per day to serve 216,000 people to achieve full coverage of Rugabano, Rubengera, Bwishyura and

Mubuga sectors in Karongi district and Mushubati, Gihango, Murunda and Musasa sectors of Rutsiro district.

The expansion of Muhazi water treatment plant will produce 12,000m3 per day of clean water to serve 365,224 people in six sectors of Gatsibo district, namely: Gasange, Murambi, Rugarama, Remera, Gitoki, and Muhura and two sectors of Kayonza district mainly: Mwiri and Rukara.

The aforementioned projects were highlighted at the launch event, with officials emphasizing the program’s alignment with the sustainable development goals, particularly goal 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

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Prof. Omar Munyaneza, the Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group said: "We have initiated a large-scale project in collaboration with AfDB aimed at widely improving access to water supply for Rwandans nationwide, particularly in 13 districts.”

He noted: "The rehabilitation of the Nzove I WTP, which will restore water production to its design capacity of 40,000 m3 per day, from the current 13,000 m3 per day. This increase will ensure an adequate water supply for Kigali residents, thereby reducing the water scarcity.”

"The project aims to provide water to approximately 2 million people, addressing the longstanding issue of water scarcity in many parts of the country. With an expected completion date in 2026, we will then proceed to Phase II of the projects to extend its benefits further,” he added.