The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed a loan agreement worth US$25 million with the Government of Rwanda to finance the expansion of water transmission and distribution systems at Karenge water treatment plant, on the shores of Lake Mugesera, in Rwamagana District.

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According to a joint ministry of finance and ADFD statement, the strategic project to strengthen Rwanda’s water security highlights ADFD’s commitment to supporting global development projects, especially those aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, including SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean and sustainable water.

By addressing a critical need, the statement says, the project will support Rwanda’s national objectives, underscoring the UAE’s leadership in promoting sustainable infrastructure development worldwide.

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The agreement was signed by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and John Mirenge, the Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE.

Mirenge said: "We are proud of this cooperation with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, which highlights the UAE’s steadfast efforts to promote sustainable development globally.

"The expansion of the water transmission and distribution systems at Karenge water treatment plant is a critical initiative to achieve our national objectives of providing clean water to our population and developing robust and sustainable water infrastructure to meet the needs of communities.”

The envoy added that the project is designed to elevate the standard of living for Rwandan citizens by creating jobs and enhancing water distribution networks to meet growing demand.

"This milestone aligns with our broader development plans and national objectives of achieving universal access to clean water,” he noted.

Al Suwaidi said: "This agreement reflects ADFD’s commitment to financing infrastructure projects that promote economic and social progress in beneficiary countries. It also underscores our commitment to strengthening and advancing our strategic partnership with the Republic of Rwanda, contributing to the development of key sectors vital to the country’s growth.”

He said that the project which involves the expansion of water transmission and distribution systems at Karenge water treatment plant, represents an important step toward providing clean and sustainable water supplies to key areas in Rwanda.

The initiative will help overcome challenges by improving the efficiency of the water system and incorporating advanced technologies to strengthen water security in the country.

The water project is part of a comprehensive programme aimed at ensuring self-sufficiency in water supply for Kigali. The initiative includes the construction of a water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 36,000 cubic meters, alongside expanding transmission and distribution systems to key areas of the city.

The ADFD is a foreign aid agency established by the government of Abu Dhabi in 1971. The fund provides concessionary loans to fund economic and social development projects and also invests in order to expand and strengthen the private sector economies of its clients