RWAMAGANA–Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) have allocated Rwf80 billion to infrastructure aimed at distribution of water in rural communities across the country.Addressing local government leaders in the Eastern Province, the authority’s Deputy Director in charge of water, James Sano, said that studies were already complete, adding that the one year project will increase access to clean water by 12.5%.“Covering the whole country would take about Rwf80bn. Eastern Province; the most affected needs at least Rwf17.5 billion. We are on ground doing procurement work and have a crash programme to spread water in the province,” he said.Sano noted that in most cases, the work would be repairing water supply lines. “Pipes installed a few years ago in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts are substandard. They all broke down and need replacement. Districts hire wrong people to distribute water in communities,” he revealed.He further challenged district authorities to give the distribution of water a priority, in their budget.“Let us be sincere to ourselves. You don’t give water accessibility the importance it deserves. Just look back and see where things go wrong in budget allocation, and we shall slowly address the issue of water,” Sano advised.Theoneste Minani another official from EWSA noted that urban areas of Rwamagana and Kayonza district would soon get enough water.“The new installations will ensure an increment of 2000cc …it will be distributed to the two towns. This will allow residents of Rwamagana and Kayonza towns to get full time supply of water,” he said.Odette Uwamariya the Governor of the Province admitted that there was concern for water scarcity in communities.“We shouldn’t tire to provide enough water to our people…let every district take it as a priority. EWSA should supervise all installations to avoid substandard work.”
