KIREHE/NGOMA- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), yesterday launched a USD 18 million project to supply water to communities in Ngoma and Kirehe districts.

In Kirehe district, water will be extended to five sectors with a population of 31,000, while in Ngoma district, two sectors with 28,000 people will benefit from the project.

The Minister of State for Infrastructure, Colletha Ruhamya, who presided over the ceremony, said that the government’s target is to avail clean water to all communities.

"Sustainable infrastructure development is slowly but steadily reaching all corners of the country. Beneficiaries are however, expected to guard the vital infrastructure jealously,” she said.

The Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Kunio Hatanaka, said he was overwhelmed when he signed the agreement, to start water installation in the two districts last year.

"Water infrastructure development is of great importance in any society. People need clean and safe water for healthy life...development activities too can’t do without water,” he said.

The beneficiaries could not hide their happiness, after realising that they will be fetching water less than 500 metres away.

Belancilla Mukarugwiza, a resident of Nyabikora Village in Kirehe District, said water borne diseases will also be reduced.

"We have been entirely depending on swamp water which is dangerous to our health,” said Mukarugwiza.

Denise Umutesi, a Primary 6 pupil in Nyamugali Sector, said that water availability was long overdue.

"We reach school late because of the long distances we make to fetch water before we go to school. This is good news to me, because it means my success in school as well,” she said.

Water installation in the two districts is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

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