Rulindo Challenge

With the support of the Rwanda government, Water For People is helping to write a new chapter for the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

In October 2010, Water For People–Rwanda partnered with the Rwandan government for the “Rulindo Challenge,” a bold and game-changing initiative to provide full water coverage for the Rulindo District by the end of 2014. Rulindo is a 219-square-mile area northeast of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The ambitious goal: safe water coverage for all 285,000 people in 494 villages. Full coverage for Everyone. Every family. Every school. Every clinic.

Key to the success of the Rulindo Challenge are strong partnerships with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Infrastructure, local governments, communities, and other local organizations, along with strategic investments from supporters such as charity:water. One of these new partnerships—and new friendships—is with the mayor of Rulindo, Justus Kangwagye, a gregarious man who knows that in the seeds of relationships lie sweeping change.

Kangwagye wanted to help lead his country because he saw the need for a comprehensive, innovative strategy for Rwanda’s economic development, infrastructure improvement, and agricultural management. This requires access to safe water.

The mayor strongly believes that clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene require immediate attention. He also highly values practical steps and strong partnerships that support future generations.

“We are devoted to becoming self-sufficient in the management and maintenance of our water supply,” says Kangwagye. “We are visitors in this world, and we cannot do everything, but with many friends [we can] make a positive change, and in so doing we live forever.” Justus Kangwagye, Mayor, Rulindo