Rwanda, a small landlocked nation in East Africa, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is facing a significant challenge that threatens its development and the well-being of its people – the water crisis. With a rapidly growing population, increasing urbanization, and extreme climate events, the demand for clean and accessible water is escalating and putting immense pressure on the country’s water resources.
According to a recent report by UNICEF’s WASH program, of Rwanda’s 12.5 million people, only 57% have access to clean drinking water within 30 minutes of their homes.
Tonny Okoth, a renowned Ugandan scholar who visited parts of Rwanda’s southern Nyanza Lac district along Burundi and La Ruzizi, bears witness that the water shortage is a complete reality.
“I have traveled across Rwanda working there but access to clean water is not very affordable. A small bottle of purified water costs 1,000 franc (US$0.77) which is high for the local people. And there are not many open tap water sources in rural areas,” he noted.
To combat this crisis, the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with international organizations and non-governmental agencies, has initiated several projects that aim to address the water scarcity issue. One such initiative is the construction of new water infrastructure, including reservoirs, pipelines, and water treatment facilities, to improve the quality and distribution of water. Additionally, efforts to promote water conservation and efficient usage are being incorporated into community-based programs to encourage sustainable practices at the grassroots level.
In an effort to ensure that every Rwandan has access to clean water by 2024, in 2019 the Ministry of Infrastructure announced an investment of US$440 million to establish water treatment plants and supply systems in urban and rural areas.
The Rwanda Water Resources Board’s Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, agrees that the nation faces difficulties in obtaining enough water. However, he says that Rwanda has made considerable progress in this respect.
“Currently, some 86% of urban areas and 72% of rural areas have access to improved sources of drinking water. The Rwandan Government is working towards having 100% access to clean water.”
Rukundo also noted that the Rwandan Government has committed to achieving very ambitious targets in water supply and sanitation in accordance with the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).
“Rwanda’s main policy documents and national goals clearly recognize the role that sufficient water supply and sanitation services play as catalysts for social and economic growth, the fight against poverty, and the promotion of public health,” he stated.
Among the key projects is the US$61 million Kigali Water Treatment Plant which seeks to provide reliable access to clean water for 500,000 people within the capital city of Kigali. This ambitious undertaking involves the implementation of innovative water management techniques and the establishment of local water committees to ensure the long-term sustainability of water sources. According to a study commissioned by the World Bank in 2021, Rwanda has an annual water volume of approximately 6 to 7 billion cubic meters from surface water, 4.50 to 5 billion cubic meters from groundwater, and 27.50 billion cubic meters from precipitation. In 2019, the country used 608 million cubic meters of water.
Given these figures and the efforts being made to improve the water supply, the water crisis in Rwanda is a formidable challenge that demands urgent attention and concerted efforts. The ongoing projects and the dedication of officials and community leaders offer hope for a sustainable future. By harnessing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing the well-being of its people, Rwanda is poised to overcome this looming threat and ensure access to clean water for generations to come.
