NYABIHU - The State Minister for Energy and Water, Collette Ruhamya, on Thursday launched a water and sanitation project in Nyabihu district, aimed at increasing access to clean water in communities, schools and health centres.

Ruhamya called for community participation in the management of the infrastructure which she said would improve hygiene and sanitation.

"It is your responsibility to ensure the maintenance of this new  form of infrastructure  and also use water to help you prevent diseases related to poor hygiene,’’ the minister said.

The 5-year project worth $ 21m will be jointly funded by the Dutch Government, UNICEF, Rwanda Government and International NGO SNV.

It was revealed that the project would benefit over 400,000 residents, including 200 rural primary schools and 50 health facilities.

During the launch, a similar water supply extension which provides water to residents who were recently relocated from Giswati forest was also inaugurated.

The function was also attended by the Jolke Oppewal, deputy ambassador from the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.

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