EASTERN PROVINCE

GATSIBO — Residents of Murambi, Kiramuruzi and Kiziguro Sectors are facing acute water shortages, officials say.

According to Laurent Muyombano the president of VOMAMEZA- a cooperative responsible for the management of water and sanitation in the district, the water scarcity arose from inefficiency in the pumping system at the two dams of Rwibondo and Byimana which act as the water supply sources to the affected areas.

He was on Monday speaking during the training of members of the water committees at Kabarore in Agasha.

The district reportedly cut off the water supply towards the end of last year due to the cost which was emanating from "unnecessary consumption capacity of the pumps."

"The capacity and consumption of electricity of Byimana pump is 1.00 (multiplier factor) whereas Rwibondo’s consumption is 50. So if the bill is say 200,000 you must pay fifty times the figure which amounts to 10 million which is very expensive. So the district stopped the pumping system until repair is done," Muyombana said.

It requires relocation of the pumps to rectify the problem, according to Pastor Sylvestre Ngwabije the water project coordinator.

"VOMAMEZA proposed that they transfer Byimana pump in Murambi Sector to Rugarama Sector. So if it is shifted to Rugarama more water will be supplied to Kiramuruzi, Kiziguro and Murambi that currently have no water," Ngwabije said.

Other Sectors affected by the same problem in the district are Ngarama, Humure, Remera in Biyanga and Muhura whose pumps are not functioning because they need replacement.

Ends