Rehabilitation of Water Systems Boosts Water Access to 86.4% in Nyaruguru District

The rehabilitation works included the construction of 121 kilometers of water pipelines, improving access to safe and reliable water for more than 240,000 residents and institutions, including schools, health facilities, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. The project involved the rehabilitation and upgrading of the following water supply systems: Mata Gravity, Kintare, Nyarugano–Rwamiko, Nyamunyura–Mata, Nyungwe–Kibeho-Ndago–Coko, Cyahafi–Busanze, Yanza, Nyabimata Complex system, Mata Complex system, and Mishungero.The works also included the construction of 20 new water reservoirs and 135 water points, as well as the rehabilitation of 45 existing water reservoirs and 120 water points.

In an exclusive interview, Byukusenge Assumpta, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Nyaruguru District stated that the rehabilitated water supply systems have substantially improved water service delivery in 13 of the district's 14 sectors. According to the Vice Mayor, the increased availability of clean water has raised district’s water access rate from 72% to 86.4%, bringing safe water services closer to thousands of households and institutions while improving public health, hygiene, and overall quality of life. “This project has greatly improved the lives of our residents. They no longer spend hours traveling long distances in search of water. Today, they can access clean water within 500 meters of their homes, and many households have already connected water to their residences.

Improved access to clean water has also made a significant contribution to reducing stunting and malnutrition in our district, with the rate declining from 39% to 23%. It has also strengthened hygiene and sanitation practices not only among households but also in schools, Early Childhood Development (ECDs) centers, and health facilities, contributing to a reduction in waterborne diseases,” she said.

Nyaruguru Residents, Grateful for Access to Clean Water

Murengerantwari Placide, a resident of Giheta Cell in Munini Sector, is among the project beneficiaries, and has already connected water to his home. He says the project has significantly reduced the cost of accessing clean water while saving time. “Getting water used to be very expensive. I had to pay Frw 100 for a single jerrycan, but now I pay only Frw 400 for one cubic metre of water (50 jerrycans). I am very happy and grateful to WASAC Group for this life-changing infrastructure, and I encourage other residents to connect water to their homes,” he said.

His testimony is echoed by his neighbour, Ndayisaba Vincent, who says the project has transformed their lives. “We are delighted to have access to clean water, something we never imagined would become a reality in our village. Water is now available whenever we need it, and it is both clean and sufficient. We no longer spend two hours walking down the hills in search of water, and our children no longer miss school to collect it. We now have enough clean water for drinking, cooking, and maintaining proper hygiene. During this dry season, we can use the water to irrigate our kitchen gardens,” he said. 

The rehabilitation of 10 water supply systems in Nyaruguru District is part of WASAC Group's nationwide programme to rehabilitate aging and damaged water infrastructure in partnership with organizations working in the water and sanitation sector.  The project was implemented under the Stunting Prevention and Reduction Initiative (SPRP), funded by the World Bank through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). In Nyaruguru District, implementation commenced in June 2024 and was successfully completed in December 2026.