Residents welcome new water sources

HUYE - Over 10,000 residents of Simbi, Maraba and Mbazi sectors in Huye District are set to benefit from clean water projects which were commissioned in the area on Monday. The four potable water channels constructed over a distance of 28 km were installed under the support of the Water and Sanitation Project in the Southern Province (PEPAPS), a government program which deals with water conveyance, hygiene and sanitation promotion in Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru districts of the Southern province. At the inauguration ceremony, residents could hardly hide their joy. “I used to travel over three kilometers in search of water, but currently I only walk less than 100 meters. I am happier because I drink clean water and we have enough for our domestic chores like, bathing, washing and others”, Vedaste Umuhire of Shyembe Cell, said while drawing water from a newly installed tap. “This is a memorable time for us because we will no longer have to travel long distances to look for clean water. We will no longer climb down the hill and travel long distances carrying a jerry can of water on our heads. With only Rwf5, I have a 20 litre container of clean water that I fetch near my home”, observed an ecstatic Leonille Muhanimana, a resident of Cyeza village. The inauguration was part of a one month clean and green campaign to sensitise residents on the benefits of protecting the environment and promoting hygiene and sanitation. During the event, 80 eco-toilets (ECOSAN) were also commissioned. The facilities were built for seven secondary schools in Huye. Speaking during the event, the Minister of State in Charge of Transport, Alexis Nzahabwanimana, urged residents to protect and safeguard the facilities for their own interest. “We request you to look at these infrastructure as your own. When cultivating, make sure you don’t damage the water pipes that pass through your farms “, he said. “It is in your own interest and that of the local community to take care of these facilities. Abusing them would result into the suffering of the entire society”. He commended residents for their “efforts in promoting hygiene”. “I can see that you are clean; your bodies and clothes are washed. Keep it up and improve where needed because hygiene is a determinant of good health,” Nzahabwanimana said. Ends