Rwanda: Water For People Supported Over 1.5 Million People to Access Clean Water

Water For People has helped more than 1.5 million people access water across Rwanda, after constructing or rehabilitating over 250 water systems across in partnership with WASAC Group.

The Organization has been active in Rwanda since 2008, working with the government to build and rehabilitate water supply systems, and improving the efficiency of water utilities through technical support.

Initially, it was working in the districts of Kicukiro, Rulindo, Gicumbi, Karongi, and Gisagara to deliver clean water and sanitation solutions but there are additional ten districts (Nyagatare, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Ngoma, Kirehe, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Ruhango, Nyanza, and Nyamagabe) that are supported under the five-year USAID-funded Isoko y’Ubuzima Project (July 2021 – July 2026).

According to Bruce Uwonkunda, Chief of the Isoko y’Ubuzima Project, Water For People’s partnership with WASAC Group includes activities such as constructing water infrastructure, building the capacity of institutions, and empowering communities to manage the infrastructure effectively.

In addition to reaching over 1.5 million people, Water For People has also brought water and sanitation services to 422 schools and health centers. According to Uwonkunda, 67,750 jobs have been created in local communities through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

“I’m grateful to Water For People for partnering with us on the journey to deliver clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to residents in the districts of Rulindo, Gicumbi, Karongi, and Gisagara. We also have a large-scale project with a $62 million budget that will bring water to Nyamagabe District through to 2029″, Prof. Omar Munyaneza, CEO of WASAC Group, stated.

The 2022 national census, revealed that only 59% of residents in Nyamagabe District had access to clean water—one of the lowest rates in the country.

Through the Isoko y’Ubuzima Project, more than 349,426 people gained access to improved water services by rehabilitating ten non-functional water supply systems, and 83,001 people received sanitation services.

The project aims to strengthen institutions and improve the delivery of water and sanitation services and products.