Residents of Jarama Sector, Ngoma District, can now enjoy the convenience of clean water, thanks to the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024 (COP Rwanda 2024), a series of community development activities rolled out by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on March, 1. Jarama, an area almost surrounded by water but connected to the mainland, had residents fetching unclean water from Lake Sake. This unsafe water source led to an increase in waterborne diseases in the community, with aquatic animals in the lake also posing a threat to the residents. Anastasia Mukundwa, a resident of Jarama, said their area had never had access to clean water before the launch of this water supply project. “The only source of water in our area is Lake Sake, it has contaminated water, and hippopotamuses, and various aquatic animals in it that pose threats. Clean water will now flow in our neighbourhoods, at my home the water source will be a few metres away.” Mukundwa expressed her gratitude to the programme for extending clean water to their area. The RDF engineering team drilled water from a depth of 100 meters, and the plumbing work to pump the water uphill is currently in progress. Pipes will be laid underground, extending to 1.5 kilometres, to channel water to villages in Jarama. ALSO READ: New RDF, US Army medical outreach programme to benefit citizens in Rwamagana District According to Ngoma District Mayor Nathalie Niyonagira, access to clean water will enhance the quality of life for residents in the area, adding that the community will see a decrease in waterborne illnesses, and also use the water in development activities. “The project will provide a sustainable solution to the issue of contaminated water sources and help protect residents from potential threats posed by the lake’s aquatic animals. This initiative demonstrates Rwanda Defence Forces’ commitment to prioritise the community’s well-being. We pledge to make good use of this infrastructure and ensure that it positively impacts the lives of our citizens.” The project can supply over 13,000 litres per hour and is estimated to serve more than 9,000 residents. Water supply projects built in the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024 (COP Rwanda 2024) in the Eastern Province were launched in Kayonza, Gatsibo, and Ngoma; besides that, early childhood development centres (ECDCs) were also built as part of the programme. Chief of Defence Staff of RDF Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, said the outreach programme reflects RDF’s holistic approach to community development and their willingness to improve the well-being of Rwandans. Muganga said the programme started as a one-week event but proved beneficial, increasing it to a three-month event. He said: “We will construct 31 houses for vulnerable people and provide them with basic equipment, we will provide free medical treatment to people with health insurance, provide 800 small livestock and construct ECDs, and provide four boats to be used along lakes in the province.” Muganga said the success of these initiatives depends on active participation and cooperation from all residents, and called on civil society organisations, religious entities, local government, and residents, among others, to share the vision of working together and building a stronger, more sustainable Rwanda while changing the well-being of Rwandans. He urged Jarama residents to make good use of the infrastructure to be a pillar in their development.
