Editor,I thank the World Bank for continuing to partner with the Government and people of Rwanda in our development journey. The WB is helping Rwanda achieve so many development targets. Of course Rwanda is one of the few countries that use aid effectively. The results speak for themselves. We have built roads, hospitals, schools, increased electricity access, and supported Genocide survivors, etc, from the aid that we receive from different partners. It’s on this basis that I wish to ask the Government of Rwanda to approach donors and let them know about the socio-economic challenges associated with clean water scarcity in the country.We lack running water, except in some few select areas. I think some development donors may be happy to support a major water project if they were shown what needs to be done and how it will improve the lives of the people. For instance, I know that many people in the City Kigali are facing challenges of accessing water to the extent that some spend nearly $100 a month on water that’s fetched from distant areas. This is affecting people’s wellbeing.Water scarcity plays a role in pushing people into poverty. The government should make this a priority just like electricity. As I said earlier, this is an extremely social challenge and many families are being affected.Mark Rwego, South AfricaReaction to the story, “WB pledges more support to Rwanda” (The New Times, December 3)
