Kirehe—Two water dykes, worth over Rwf 1.1 billion, were on Tuesday launched in Kirehe District.

The Cyanuzi and Mushikiri water dykes were constructed by the government in partnership with Kirehe community-based Water Management Project (KWAMP).

The project promotes the shift from subsistence to intensified market-based agriculture in Kirehe District.

The colourful ceremony was attended by, among others, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Agnes Kalibata, the Minister of Local Government and Social Affairs, James Musoni, and the Governor of the Eastern Province, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira.

Musoni asked area residents to fully utilise the water dykes to improve their harvests.

He said that water bodies, especially man-made ones, must be guarded jealously against any destruction.

"Water is everything mankind needs...everyone should take it upon themselves to protect the water dykes,” he said.

Dr Kirabo reiterated the importance of the water dykes in crop production.

She said that the dykes would check the challenges caused by water fed agriculture.

"Actually if we wanted we can even start having 4 planting seasons in Kirehe District...with the dykes, drought won’t affect us anymore. Crop production will inevitably increase,” he said.

Kirehe District Mayor, Protais Murayira, thanked KWAMP project for its support, adding that the project has been at the frontline of development initiatives in the district.

"It is rare to find a project like KWAMP...it has, indeed, been instrumental in the district’s development process. Abundant availability of water will, no doubt, increase rice production, which is essential in famine control,” he said.

The district, widely regarded as the granary of the Eastern Province, was recently hit hard by drought.

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