Gisèle Umuhumuza Deputy CEO in Charge of Rural Water and Sanitation Services at Water and Sanitation Corporation says the water supply sector has been challenged by the important investment (finances) required to reach the aspired total access to drinking water and that this has affected the completion and development of drinking water supply projects.
“This year’s world water day theme calls for joint efforts by the various stakeholders in the sector (water sector) for better management of water resources and its uses especially as we thrive for a resilient climate and sustainable development,” she says.
“For Rwanda this is paramount if we are to achieve the 100% access to clean water and sanitation by 2024,” she adds.
WASAC is implementing water production projects to address the supply gap (Upgrading Nzove, Kanzenze, Kanyonyomba, Gihira-Rubavu, and Rusizi water treatment plants), Umuhumuza notes.
The government also continues to attract private investors, we recently signed an agreement where the financing and implementation of Kigali Bulk Water project (Kanzenze WTP) which will add 40,000 m3 of water per day in Kigali and Bugesera has begun.” A program of Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation worth $282m which will improve water supply and sanitation in Kigali and six satellite cities (Muhanga, Rusizi, Rubavu, Musanze, Nyagatare, Huye Districts) in the coming four years is in the pipeline.
These effects have been observed at Rugeramigozi, Kadahokwa and Shyogwe dams which were dry in the previous dry season.
Although the extended dry seasons and increasing water demand can be of impact on water dams, the change and uncontrolled land use in catchments leave the dams at risk too.
Prolonged dry periods affect water dams.
The Deputy CEO explains that they have started the assessment of projects at a catchment level with large waters dams that will be able to sustain water supply during prolonged dry seasons; making sure management and development of water resources are integrated in all of their investments.
The newly constructed Nzove water treatment plant is provided with a newly constructed intake which eliminates the extended periods of treating water with high turbidity.