EASTERN PROVINCE

KIREHE — Water prices have sharply risen in Kirehe District as water scarcity continues to hit most parts of the country.
Consequently, a 20-liter jerry can of water costs Rwf 300 up from Rwf20.

Christine Uwamahoro, who operates a hotel in the area, says she is spending Rwf 30,000 on water monthly to sustain her business.

"We are in great distress. In fact people spend over ten hours walking in search of water everyday. The price of water has been hiked to 300 Francs per can of 20 litres. This translates to 15 Francs per litre, which is quite expensive, "Uwamahoro said.

The New Times established that many residents in Nyakarambi Sector are experiencing the water problem because local water supplies are scarce, contaminated, or non-existent.

Even though the residents attribute the scarcity of water to the current drought,some residents pointed out that within  Kirehe and Nyakarambi in particular ,do not have access to clean water.

"During the  rainy season, we go normally access water from the swamps  because even available sources is never sufficient for us. We generally need a proper water system,” Richard Kayiranga, a peasant said.

Authorities however, say the district has finalised plans to provide safe water supplies in rural villages to arrest the situation.

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