MININFRA Calls for Community Ownership of Water and Sanitation Infrastructures

Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure has called for infrastructures ownership among citizens as they are the ones who benefit from them at the community level.

The call was made on Monday, March 18, 2019 in Nyanza District, Busasamana Sector during the official launch of the dissemination of National Water Supply and Sanitation Policies at community level as part of awareness campaign at grass root level.

The event was graced by various officials including officials from the Ministry of Infrastructures, representatives of USAID Funded Isuku Iwacu Project, District officials and local residents.

Speaking at the event, Marcelline Kayitesi — MININFRA — Water and Sanitation Division Manager said that the campaign launch is part of activities organized ahead of the International Water Day celebration which is an annual Day celebrated on each 22^nd March.

The theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving no one behind’.

Kayitesi said “This year’s theme is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges related to the lack of clean water around the world, alongside the damaging effects of global warming, water resources pollution and damaged ground water tables.”

In order to leave no one without access to clean water, Kayitesi said by 2024, all Rwandans will have access to clean water and sanitation services which will be available at the affordable prices.

Access to water is made easier when residents can fetch from 200 meters in the city or 500 meters in the countryside according to the current water distribution policy in Rwanda.

Based on such indications 62 % have access to water while those who can afford water in no more than 5 kilometers are beyond 80%.

Health centers, schools, trading companies and all the population in Rwanda are expected to have 100% access to water within seven years as planned in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) 2017 – 2024

“It is obvious that we have a gap in water supply, but what is planned is that by 2024, every Rwandan will have access to clean water on daily basis.” Kayitesi said.

“We will achieve this target when all of us play an active role. You need to own the water infrastructures provided to you. They belong to you. Provide timely information when you find for instance leakage on water line.” She urged.

Kayitesi also spoke on sanitation among local community noting that “We can’t have sanitation without water. Water leads us to hygiene;

“We need all of you to have toilets with necessary requirements…” She added

She requested Nyanza District officials to speed up the construction of sanitation facilities like public toilets at public spaces as well as mobilizing local residents on the Hygiene and sanitation in their respective families.

The Mayor of Nyanza District commends the role which is being played by the Ministry and the district’s stakeholders who include SNV Isuku Iwacu Project, WASAC among many other key partners in the Development and well-being of Nyanza residents.