Rwanda Makes a Splash on World Water Day with New Resilience Strategy
In a collaborative effort to strengthen water resilience in Rwanda, the Global Water Partnership-Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda Water Resources Board, hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop to launch the Response Strategy on Strengthening Water Resilience in Rwanda.
The event, which coincided with the celebration of the 2024 World Water Day themed “Leveraging Water for Peace and Prosperity”, brought together representatives from various government institutions, international organizations, and regional and national institutions.
During the event, Sanga George, Regional Coordinator at Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa, highlighted the importance of the Response Strategy and the collaborative approach taken in its development.
He expressed gratitude to the Rwanda Water Resources Board for leading the process and creating an enabling environment for stakeholders to come together.
George emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience into water management and commended Rwanda for producing a comprehensive strategy with a financing plan ready for implementation.
George also called on development partners to support the strategy financially and technically, noting that it is a fundable and bankable initiative that aligns with national development goals.
He highlighted the unique integration of institutions and processes in the strategy, showcasing a country-owned program that is government-led with all stakeholders on board.
Rosalind Gater, the Deputy Development Director at UK FCDO in Kigali
George thanked the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for funding the project and expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration. He encouraged all participants to engage constructively and share experiences to support Rwanda in achieving its vision for water security.
During the event, Rosalind Gater, the Deputy Development Director at UK FCDO in Kigali commended the Government of Rwanda for supporting the initiative, emphasizing that water security, sanitation, and hygiene are key to global prosperity and sustainable development.
Gater also showed the impact of water-related natural disasters and the increasing demand for water worldwide. She praised the collaborative efforts of the Global Water Partnership and stressed the importance of inclusive partnerships to achieve national and international water goals.
In addition to Gater’s speech, other speakers at the event commended FCDO for their support in developing the Response Strategy and emphasized the importance of collaboration among development partners and national leadership to drive progress in water resilience.
The Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Water Resources, in his speech at the event thanked esteemed partners and representatives for their support in developing the strategy.
He commended the Global Water Partnership for their tireless efforts in advancing water resilience in Rwanda and emphasized the need for collective action in addressing challenges related to sustainable water management in the face of changing climates.
The Deputy Director General outlined key strategic actions within the response strategy, including centralizing water entities and users, mainstreaming water resilience into land-use planning, promoting sustainable land management, and disseminating knowledge and practices to communities.
He called for a collective resolve to leverage water as a source of prosperity and peace, addressing challenges of both flooding and water scarcity.
Commenting on the Strategy, François Tetero, Chairperson of the Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa said that “In a world where water is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity, the Global Water Leadership Programme contributed in fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure a prosperous and water resilient country. Our workshop on March 22 is more than an event; it’s a commitment to uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and sustainably develop our precious water resources.”—
The key recommendations of the Response Strategy include: (i) Empowering decentralized entities and water users for effective water infrastructure management, (ii) Mainstreaming water resilience into land use plans & establishment of flood forecasting systems, (iii) Promoting sustainable land management to prevent siltation of water bodies, and (iv) Disseminating knowledge on sustainable water management practices.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and representatives from various sectors, all working together towards a common goal of strengthening water resilience in Rwanda.
Through collaborative efforts and inclusive partnerships, the Response Strategy aims to integrate national goals and international commitments on water and sanitation, ultimately contributing to Rwanda’s vision for green growth and climate resilience.
The launch of the Response Strategy on Strengthening Water Resilience in Rwanda marks a significant step towards sustainable water management and climate resilience in the country, with stakeholders committed to working together towards a common goal.
