Modern Waste Treatment Facility Set to Elevate Sanitation in Musanze

The sanitation facility is being built on a 6.8-hectare site in Kabukende Village, Karwasa Cell, Gacaca Sector in Musanze District. Construction began in October 2024 and has now reached 62% completion, with full completion anticipated by the end of 2025. Once operational, the facility will include a modern landfill capable of processing 33 tons of solid waste per day and an adjacent fecal sludge treatment plant designed to treat up to 62 cubic meters of wastewater daily. The project aims to improve sanitation services, minimize environmental pollution, and enhance public health outcomes in the district.

“This infrastructure will significantly improve waste management in Musanze by eliminating uncontrolled dumping, which often attracts disease vectors such as flies, rodents, and worms,” said Claudien Nsengimana, Mayor of Musanze. “It is a major step forward in safeguarding public health and improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Beyond its core sanitation functions, the facility is expected to generate additional benefits, including waste recycling, fertilizer production, and employment opportunities. The infrastructure also features access roads, storm water drainage systems, designated waste cells, and a leachate management system to protect groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.

The Sanitation project in Musanze District forms part of the Government of Rwanda’s long-term Vision 2050, which emphasizes sustainable urban development and expanded access to improved sanitation. Similar infrastructure developments are underway in Karongi, Rubavu, and Rusizi, with funding support from the African Development Bank (AfDB). A comparable facility in Nyagatare District is already operational. These strategic investments represent a critical step toward universal access to improved sanitation services, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing the health and well-being of communities across Rwanda.

WASAC Group is mandated to oversee the sanitation services nationwide, including both solid waste and wastewater management. While the collection and transportation of solid waste from households fall under the responsibility of local Districts. WASAC Group provides technical expertise in the design and management of landfills. The day-to-day operations of these facilities are carried out by private operators, who are selected through transparent and competitive bidding processes conducted jointly by Districts and WASAC Group.