As the African Development Bank (AfDB) celebrates 60 years of fostering development across the continent, Rwanda’s journey in water and sanitation stands as a powerful testament to the impact of strong partnerships. Prof. Omar Munyaneza, CEO of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), lauded AfDB’s pivotal role in this transformation. “AfDB has been a cornerstone of our progress,” he remarked. “Their contributions to Rwanda’s water and sanitation sector have been instrumental in transforming lives and communities. We remain committed to strengthening collaborations to ensure clean water for all.” This sentiment underscores the extraordinary strides made through an enduring collaboration. The Government of Rwanda, with AfDB’s support, has been unwavering in its pursuit of universal access to clean water—a goal that is as much about equity as it is about economic and social development. Munyaneza also extended an invitation to other international partners to join Rwanda in this mission. “Together, we can achieve universal access and build a future of health, prosperity, and equity,” he said. The partnership between Rwanda and AfDB began with ambitious aspirations to extend clean water and sanitation services to every corner of the country. Over the past decade, the bank has funneled significant resources into programs that have reshaped the nation’s water infrastructure. In 2017, the Rwanda Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program was launched with $282 million in financing. This initiative targeted Kigali and eight satellite cities, reaching over 1.1 million people with improved water access and providing sanitation services to 475,000 individuals. Building on this success, additional financing was secured in 2018 to expand the program into rural districts such as Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Ruhango. By 2023, the Rwanda Transformative and Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program had been unveiled, backed by a $39.7 billion JPY investment. This ambitious project aims to impact 2.33 million people by 2029, with women comprising half of the beneficiaries. Crosscutting impact AfDB’s investments have had a transformative effect on both urban centers and rural communities. In Kigali, the expansion of the city’s water network has alleviated pressure on resources, ensuring a stable supply for its rapidly growing population. The Mwoya Water Treatment Plant, serving Rusizi District, and the upgraded Gihira Water Treatment Plant in Rubavu have set benchmarks for rural water infrastructure. Secondary cities like Nyagatare, Muhanga, and Huye have also benefited from targeted investments that have catalyzed regional development. Ongoing projects like the Volcano Belt Water Supply Project and the Muhazi Water Supply Project promise to extend this impact further. The Mutobo Water Treatment Plant upgrade, which will increase capacity to 48,000m³/day, exemplifies the scale and ambition of these initiatives. The benefits of these projects extend far beyond access to clean water. Employment opportunities during construction phases have invigorated local economies. Reliable water supply has reduced waterborne diseases, enhancing community health. Schools, equipped with clean water, have seen improved participation in feeding programs, directly influencing educational outcomes. The presence of clean water in communities has brought dignity and hope, particularly to women and children, who historically bore the burden of fetching water from distant, often unsafe, sources. These projects have fundamentally redefined daily life for millions of Rwandans. Innovative solutions The journey toward universal access has not been without challenges. Supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic tested WASAC’s resilience, delaying international expert mobilization and project timelines. However, innovative strategies, such as enhanced local procurement and remote project management tools, enabled the continuation of vital work. These experiences have strengthened WASAC’s capacity to adapt and maintain progress under difficult circumstances. A sustainable future With the ambitious goal of universal water access by 2024, WASAC and AfDB are shifting focus toward ensuring long-term sustainability. Reducing non-revenue water through advanced technologies and improving operational efficiency remain top priorities. Capacity-building initiatives are training local service providers to maintain infrastructure, while policy reforms are laying the groundwork for a robust water management framework. As AfDB commemorates six decades of transformative work across Africa, its partnership with Rwanda exemplifies what is possible when ambition meets commitment. With millions of lives transformed and a clear path forward, the collaboration between AfDB and WASAC serves as a powerful reminder of the potential to build a future defined by health, prosperity, and opportunity for all.
