Rwandans Hail Lifesaving River Monitoring Systems for Flood Prevention

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Early warning systems have been installed along Rwanda’s rivers to monitor water levels and provide timely alerts to prevent flood-related disasters.

According to the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), these systems send data every 15 minutes to a central hub, enabling authorities to warn residents in advance if a river is about to overflow.

The early warning systems consist of advanced technological devices installed at various hydrological stations along rivers and lakes. Each device is equipped with a camera to monitor water levels and a communication link to transmit this information swiftly for necessary actions.

Alphonse Nsanzabera, a farmer in the Akanyaru Valley on the border between the Eastern and Southern Provinces, highlights the system’s significance.

“We now understand the role of this system after receiving thorough explanations. Last year, we were warned that the water levels in the river were rising rapidly just before harvest time. We harvested immediately, and soon after, the river overflowed, flooding the gardens,” he explained.

 “This project is incredibly useful for us. Without timely information, our crops would have been ruined, leading to significant losses. We are grateful to the national leadership for their proactive planning.” He added.

These infrastructures, equipped with modern technology, were established through cooperation with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI).

So far, six stations have been created, including Kanzenze, Akanyaru, Mu Moderna, Akagera, Cyohoha River, and Rweru.

Florence Grace Adongo, head of the Nile Basin Initiative, expressed her satisfaction with the operational status of these stations during their handover to the Rwandan government on November 16, 2023.

“We are pleased that these stations are now operational in Rwanda, the first country in the region to complete their installation. This is essential for planning and managing water resources. We have officially handed them over to Rwanda, and we believe they will benefit both Rwanda and the wider region.” Adongo said.

Adongo, along with a delegation, visited some of the stations, including Kanzenze and Akanyaru. She mentioned that additional technology for determining water quality would be integrated into the systems once financial resources are available.

Remy Duhuze, head of water quality and quantity at RWB, emphasized the numerous benefits these systems provide.

“The project allows us to issue water use licenses based on accurate water availability data, which is crucial for managing water distribution. For those constructing hydroelectric dams, these measurements are vital for understanding water levels during different seasons. Additionally, the information helps with irrigation projects and water delivery to citizens, as well as taking precautionary measures during extraordinary water level rises.” Duhuze said.

Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, CEO of the Rwanda Water Board (RWB), appreciated the infrastructure provided to Rwanda.

He highlighted the anticipated benefits for both Rwanda and the wider region and pledged to use the systems productively.

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), established in 1999, includes ten member countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Eritrea as a designated member.

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