Gisagara: Water Infrastructure Worth Nearly RWF 2 Billion Inaugurated

By The Inspirer.

Water pipelines stretching over 112 kilometers have been inaugurated in Gisagara District, covering Mamba and Muganza sectors. The project is expected to supply clean water to more than 36,000 residents, significantly improving hygiene and sanitation in the area.

The official launch of the Muyaga-Ramba water pipeline in Mamba Sector and the Cyumba-Saga-Rwamiko pipeline in Muganza Sector took place on November 22, 2024.

The construction was a collaborative effort between Water For People and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), through the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Ltd) and Gisagara District.

Transforming Lives with Access to Clean Water

Residents expressed their gratitude for the new water system, emphasizing its impact on improving hygiene and reducing waterborne diseases.

Patricie Uwizeyimana, a resident of Ramba Cell in Mamba Sector, highlighted the health struggles they faced before the pipeline was introduced.
“We used to fetch water from swamps, which exposed us to diseases, especially our children. Now that clean water is available, these diseases are significantly decreasing,” she said.

She added that she and her neighbors are committed to protecting the infrastructure to avoid returning to unsafe water sources.

Valentine Imanishimwe shared similar sentiments, stating that the water system would save them from the burden of fetching water from distant sources.
“Previously, evenings were a struggle because we couldn’t easily access water. Now, with water closer to us, this issue is resolved. Even our children will be able to focus on their studies instead of spending time fetching water,” she noted.

Commitment to Sustainable Access to Water

Eugène Dusingizumuremyi, the Country Director of Water For People in Rwanda, expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from residents, aligning with the organization’s mission of providing sustainable access to clean water.
“Our goal at Water For People is to ensure that every person has access to clean water at all times because sanitation and hygiene heavily depend on clean water,” he stated.

Gisagara District Mayor, Jérôme Rutaburingoga, emphasized that good health is a foundation for development, hence the government’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure like clean water systems.

“Cleanliness is the cornerstone of health, and clean water is the first step toward achieving it. Without good health, development is impossible. We urge everyone to take ownership of this infrastructure and use it to advance their well-being,” he said.

Expanding the Reach of the Water System

The water pipelines will serve residents in 48 villages across Mamba and Muganza sectors, as well as three schools and several health centers.

Future plans include expanding the system to other sectors such as Gishubi, Ndora, and Mukindo, with the entire project projected to cost over RWF 24 billion by its completion in 2027.

Currently, the two pipelines have the capacity to deliver 920 cubic meters of water per day to the population. The completed sections cost a total of RWF 1.945 billion.