The government has committed to conserving nearly 1,000 wetlands, including the restoration of those severely degraded by human activities. This initiative aims to ensure a stable water supply for various needs across the country. The commitment comes in the wake of the State of Africa's Environment 2024 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which warns that poor water resource management is intensifying the water crisis across Africa’s urban and rural areas. ALSO READ: Over 40% of Rwanda’s wetlands ‘lost their pristine nature’ Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), spoke to The New Times about the causes of water crises, pointing specifically to wetland degradation. In 2001/2002, Rwanda faced an electricity shortage, leading to a surge in the use of diesel generators. The primary hydropower plant had diminished capacity, and we discovered that the root cause was the destruction of the Rugezi wetland, which supplied water to that hydropower plant, Munyazikwiye explained. ALSO READ: Wetland degradation undermines water supply The degradation of the Rugezi wetland not only disrupted clean water supplies but also impacted hydropower generation. Water from the Rugezi wetland feeds the Ntaruka and Mukungwa hydropower plants via Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, as well as the Mukungwa River. By 2004, water levels in these lakes had fallen by 50%, forcing the country to spend over $65,000 per day on diesel fuel to compensate for the electricity shortfall. “That was a significant setback to our renewable energy targets,” Munyazikwiye said, stressing the importance of restoring the wetland to address the crisis. ALSO READ: How Rwanda is faring in wetlands restoration In response, the government took decisive action. The Rugezi wetland was designated a Ramsar site in 2005, becoming a fully protected area. From 2006 to 2010, the government rehabilitated the wetland, including demarcating buffer zones and watersheds to protect its ecosystem. Wetlands, as Munyazikwiye noted, are crucial for filtering water. Conserving 1,000 Wetlands Munyazikwiye revealed that a recent survey identified over 940 wetlands nationwide that require conservation. “These wetlands help prevent flooding, filter water, and store it for various uses. We need to maintain buffer zones of at least 20 metres around wetlands to prevent encroachment,” he said. According to the Wetlands Biodiversity and Ecological Integrity Assessment, a 2020 survey by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS Network), more than 40% of Rwanda’s wetlands have lost their pristine quality due to poor management. The survey also showed that 10.6% of the country’s wetlands are located in Kigali City. The government has pledged to rehabilitate five key wetlands in Kigali within 18 months. These efforts are expected to benefit 220,500 people directly and indirectly by mitigating the risks of flooding and water shortages. The wetlands targeted for rehabilitation include Rwampara, Gikondo, Nyabugogo, Kibumba, and the Rugenge-Rwintare Wetland System. These wetlands feed into the Nyabugogo River, which eventually flows into the Nyabarongo River and the Nile. Impact of Africa’s Water Crisis Munyazikwiye warned that failure to conserve wetlands could worsen water scarcity and increase flooding risks. According to the State of Africa's Environment 2024 report, death rates due to unsafe water sources in Africa are alarmingly high—50 deaths per 100,000 people, which is 1,000 times higher than in developed countries. The report further predicts that by 2050, 36% of the world's cities will face a water crisis. It emphasises that poor urban water security threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Looking ahead, African cities must adopt water-sensitive urban planning and governance strategies, the report advises. Water consumption in urban areas is forecasted to rise by 80% by 2050, further straining resources. Africa currently has the lowest levels of access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services worldwide. This contributes to the region's significant water insecurity, with 31% (over 411 million people) across 54 African countries lacking access to basic drinking water services. Despite Africa accounting for 9% of the global freshwater resources, its growing urban population and increasing water demand pose significant challenges. “The urban population of Rwanda is rapidly increasing, and socio-economic conditions are improving. As a result, the demand for water to meet municipal needs is rising. Human activities and high-water demand are putting pressure on our water resources,” the report concludes.
