NGOMA- Residents of Rukira Sector are all smiles as they no longer have to walk 10 kilometres to access water.

Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) gave financial assistance of over Rwf 8 million to Rukira sector water cooperative to channel water which originates from the hills above Gituku Village to their door steps.

Officials from BPR and Ngoma District descended to the village to officially launch the water scheme in Gituku village.

The Deputy Manager of BPR, Jose Habimana, said that the bank goes beyond financial deals to offer Rwandans basic needs.

"Ours is a noble cause...these people had requested a bank loan but we decided to donate the money due to the importance of water. So, our contribution was part of our social cooperate responsibility,” he said.

Noel Ndaruhutse, the Chairperson of the water cooperative, said that residents of the area mobilised some funds which were later supplemented by BPR to complete the water supply.

"We united to confront a common issue of water scarcity...it was not easy and the project’s goals were like dreams. I am now happy that our dreams have come true,” he said.

Jeanne Mukarurangwa, a mother of three, told The Sunday Times that the availability of water in the villages saved the mothers’ burden in general.

She reflected that water borne diseases were the order of the day as they depended on dirty swamp water.

"Diarrhoea, worms, etc used to cause misery...the water we drunk and used to cook, was always contaminated,” she said.

"There is no woman here who is not relieved...you know traditional beliefs are not in our favour. After farming, it was women who had to walk the 10 kilometres to fetch water, while men rested. So women have a reason to smile,” she said.

Rwanda’s Vision 2020 aims at availing water within 500 meters to everyone.

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