Non-Revenue Water Workstream Launched to Boost Water Efficiency and Sustainability

Speaking at the launch, WASAC Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Asaph KABAASHA, described non-revenue water as one of the utility’s most pressing challenges. He stressed the need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders to reduce water losses, safeguard scarce water resources, and ensure reliable access to clean water for communities. Dr. Kabaasha identified aging water infrastructure and vandalism as key contributors to NRW, noting that water losses lead to resource depletion, revenue shortfalls that constrain network expansion, increased production costs, and reduced service reliability.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairperson of RWB, Richard NYIRISHEMA, commended WASAC Group for fostering partnerships across the water sector. He outlined priority actions to achieve Rwanda’s national target of reducing NRW from the current 38% to 25% by 2029, including investments in technology and digitalization, enhanced community awareness, and stronger collaboration to protect water resources and improve efficiency in water management.

The launch of the NRW Workstream follows the 2022 Prime Minister’s Order establishing the National Water Consultative Committee (NWCC) and the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) in Water Resources Management. The workstream offers a unique platform for public, private, civil society, and development partners to collaborate, share knowledge, and implement joint, actionable solutions aimed at reducing water losses and advancing Rwanda’s water security agenda.

Despite persistent challenges, WASAC has made steady progress in reducing non-revenue water. NRW levels declined from 44.1% in 2023 to 42.1% in 2024, further to 39.5% by the end of 2024, and currently stand at 38%. These gains reflect improved operational efficiency, even as infrastructure constraints and vandalism continue to contribute to water losses. According to the latest Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV-7), access to improved drinking water sources has increased to about 90% of households, up from 87% in 2017, highlighting continued progress in water service delivery across the country.