Kabonobono Water Network Upgrade Brings Clean Water to Over 29,500 Kayonza Residents

The Kabonobono Water Supply System, which covers approximately 43 kilometres of pipeline, serves the sectors of Murama, Rwinkwavu, and Kabare. The upgraded network has greatly enhanced the availability and reliability of safe drinking water for households and institutions across these communities.

The intervention is part of a wider initiative to rehabilitate and strengthen water supply systems in several districts under the Stunting Prevention and Reduction Project (SPRP). Funded by the World Bank through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), the project seeks to improve access to clean water as a key driver of better nutrition, health, and sanitation outcomes.

The upgraded Kabonobono system included the construction of 17 new water points and the rehabilitation of 13 existing ones. These improvements are now supplying water to critical social infrastructure, including one health centre, four schools, and two Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.

One of the beneficiaries is Groupe Scolaire Rwinkwavu, located in Rwinkwavu Sector, Mbarara Cell. The school serves approximately 1,750 learners across ECD, primary, and secondary levels and previously struggled with persistent water shortages. According to the school’s Headmaster, Habimana Magnifique, the lack of water disrupted learning, compromised hygiene, and placed a heavy financial burden on the school.

“Our school faced serious challenges due to water scarcity. Students often had to leave class to fetch water, which interrupted lessons. We also spent a significant portion of our budget purchasing water for meal preparation. Today, we are grateful to have a reliable water supply—hygiene has improved, learning time has been protected, and our expenses have reduced,” he said.

The reinforcement and upgrade of the Kabonobono Water Supply System began on 24 June 2024 and was completed last month. Beneficiaries report improved water availability, better sanitation, and reduced time spent fetching water marking a meaningful improvement in daily life for households and public institutions in Kayonza District.