Clean Water for All: Over 130,000 Karongi Residents Set to Benefit

The Kivu Belt Water Supply System is a transformative infrastructure project, funded by the African Development Bank, aimed at ensuring reliable access to clean water for residents of Bwishyura and Rubengera; two of the most densely populated sectors in Karongi District. Central to the project is a water treatment plant with a production capacity of 13,000 cubic meters per day, which will substantially enhance the availability of safe drinking water in target sectors.

The infrastructure also includes a 96.5 kilometer pipeline network designed to transport treated water efficiently across the targeted sectors. To enhance distribution, the system incorporates multiple reservoirs for water storage and 86 public water taps. Karongi District officials regard the construction of the Kivu Belt Water Supply System as a landmark infrastructure project that will offer a sustainable solution to long-standing water challenges in the Bwishyura and Rubengera sectors, significantly transforming the lives of local residents.

“We consider this project a mega initiative of great value. Once operational, it will dramatically increase water access in areas that struggle with insufficient supply. The project will improve hygiene and sanitation for residents, as well as for businesses such as restaurants, bars, and hotels, by ensuring a reliable and consistent water supply. We deeply appreciate our collaboration with WASAC Group for their continued support in tackling water supply challenges,” said Ntakirutimana Julienne, Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Economic Development.

Kivu Belt Water Supply Project Receives Warm Welcome from Residents

“We currently receive water only twice a week through a rationing program, which is a major challenge. It’s difficult to get enough water for drinking and cleaning. Seeing the pipes being laid gives us hope that, once the project is complete, we’ll finally have improved access to clean and safe water,” said Alfred Twayigize, a resident of Gisanze Cell in Rubengera Sector.

His neighbor, Nyinawankusi Drocelle, echoed his sentiments, noting the hardship they have faced over the years due to limited water access. “We’ve spent many years struggling with water shortages. When there’s no water, we have to spend up to 250 Rwandan Francs on a single jerrican or fetch water from rivers. Sometimes we end up using dirty water. We are truly grateful for this water project. Once we gain access to clean water, it will greatly improve hygiene and contribute to the overall development of our community,” she said.

The Kivu Belt Water Supply System project, launched in 2023, is slated for completion by December 2025. This initiative supports Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which emphasizes achieving universal access to clean water and improved sanitation by 2029. Once completed, the project is expected to greatly reduce the time and distance residents travel to access water minimizing their reliance on unsafe sources and improving overall public health.