MININFRA and WASAC Group inaugurate the Ngororero Water Supply System

This significant infrastructure project provides access to clean and safe water for over 130,000 residents across six sectors: Muhanda, Kavumu, Ngororero, Kageyo, Kabaya, and Sovu.

Following the inauguration of the system, which took place in Mugano Cell of Ngororero Sector, the project beneficiaries expressed joy at having access to clean water near their homes, which has greatly eased their difficulties. Residents recalled the struggles of traveling long distances to fetch water and relying on unsafe sources, which led to waterborne diseases and disrupted their children`s education.

"We are thrilled to have access to clean water near our homes. Our children will no longer be late for school, as they no longer have to travel long distances in search of water," said Mukarukundo Argentine, a resident of Mugano Cell.

Nirere Delphine, a local resident, expressed her gratitude for President Kagame`s leadership in fulfilling promises related to water provision. "We are now ready to request water connections, just as we did when we sought electricity connections," she stated.

The 5th Rwanda Population and Housing Census, conducted in 2022, revealed that the clean water access rate in Ngororero District stands at 68%, significantly lower than the national average of 82.3%. The CEO of WASAC Group, Prof. Omar Munyaneza, highlighted the importance of the Ngororero Water Supply System, which has enabled the district to increase water access to 80%. He further urged the residents of Ngororero to protect the water infrastructure from vandalism and encouraged them to connect water to their homes.

"We hope that with improved access to clean water, people will no longer have to spend excessive time searching for water but can instead dedicate more of their time to economic development activities such as agriculture, livestock, and other productive ventures," he said.

In her remarks, Gemma Maniraruta, the Director General in charge of Water and Sanitation at the Ministry of Infrastructure, urged residents to use the clean water provided to prevent waterborne diseases caused by the consumption of contaminated water. She also emphasized the importance of collaborating with local communities to protect water infrastructure.

The Ngororero Water Supply System project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with a total investment of 9,310,517,102 Rwandan Francs (Frws), commenced in July 2022 and was completed in August 2024. The project resulted in the construction of three water treatment plants, with a combined capacity of 3,074 cubic meters per day, as well as 116 public water taps and 41 reservoirs.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance water access in Rwanda and supports the country’s goal of achieving universal access to clean water by 2029, as outlined in the 2nd National Strategy for Transformation (NST2: 2024–2029).