Clean Water Access Transforms Lives in Nyabihu District

The project, spanning a total network of 94,032 kilometers, is being carried out by the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) under the Stunting Prevention and Reduction Project (SPRP), funded by the World Bank through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). It aims to tackle chronic water shortages and improve access to clean water for households and essential institutions, with a particular focus on schools.

The rehabilitation and extension works aim to reinforce and upgrade outdated or non-functional water systems, expand water networks, protect water sources, and construct reservoirs and water points to bring clean water closer to communities. Launched in June 2024, the project is now 91% complete. Already completed systems include the Birembo and Nyiragikokora–Sukiro water supply networks in Rambura Sector, which are now providing clean water to local communities, schools, and health facilities.

Beneficiaries Praise Project for Providing Clean Water

“We cannot express how happy we are to finally have access to clean water. We are deeply grateful to our President, Kagame, for making this possible. The water point is very close to our homes, and it now takes only five minutes to fetch water,” said Dusabimana Aliance from Nyundo Cell, Rambura Sector, with a smile. “Our children are especially thrilled because they no longer miss classes searching for water, as we used to travel long distances to find it. We now use this clean water for drinking and cleaning, which helps protect us from waterborne diseases,” she added.

G.S. Nyiragikora is among the schools that recently gained access to clean water through the project. Ndahayo Celestin, the school’s responsible master, explained that the school, which serves 800 students, previously faced severe water shortages.

“Our students previously lacked drinking water at school, and we often had to hire casual workers to fetch water for cooking and cleaning. This caused lunch to be served late, sometimes between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. We are grateful to WASAC Group for providing clean water, which now allows us to serve lunch on time and ensures sufficient water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. This has greatly improved the quality of education,” he said.

Bizimana Etienne, in charge of Finance and Administration in Rambura Sector, highlighted how the rehabilitation and extension of water supply systems have effectively resolved the long-standing water access challenges in the community. He also praised the strong collaboration and efforts of WASAC Group in expanding water access across the area. “Our residents no longer have to travel long distances or spend hours searching for water. No one now walks more than 500 meters to access it. Clean water improves health, hygiene, and sanitation in our community, protecting people from waterborne diseases. We urge all residents to take good care of the water supply systems,” he said.