The numbers above, low as they are, still considerably overestimate water
and sanitation coverage in the country: they do not take into
consideration the number of users per water point, accessibility
throughout the year, or water quality. In addition, “hygienic” latrines
are not clearly defined by the Rwandan government, leading to an
overestimation of people with access to improved sanitation. According
to the Rwandan Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, 80% of the
illness afflicting Rwandans is waterborne and the average distance
traveled to avoid such disease and acquire safe water is 0.5 km.
Water For People in Rwanda
In June 2008, Water For People opened an office in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and largest city. Since then, Water For People–Rwanda has worked with various stakeholders to determine how best to provide sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Because of the disparity between urban and rural coverage, Water For People–Rwanda has focused its work on the districts of Kicukiro and Rulindo.
Regions
The rural district of Rulindo is one of five districts in the North Province. It occupies an area of 567 sq. km., with a total population of 265,000. The district is divided into 17 sectors, further divided into 71 cells and 494 villages, or imidugudu. Rulindo is composed of steep hills and valleys, and most villages extend from ridgetops to valley bottoms. Springs and rivers are typical water sources. According to data contained in Rulindo’s District Development Plan 2008–2012, water coverage in the district is approximately 50% to 60%. Exact sanitation coverage will be determined during an upcoming district-wide project.
Kicukiro District is located southeast of Kigali and is home to 250,000 people. This semi–urban district has rolling hills and, main water sources are streams, rivers, and groundwater. According to government data, 81% of residents have access to improved water supply (though, as explained earlier, this statistic is overestimated). Sanitation coverage is still being determined.
Partners
Lasting water and sanitation solutions can only be achieved when local role-players—the private sector, civil society, and local government—are supported. As such, Water For People is deeply involved with key local stakeholders, including district governments; the national Ministries of Health, Infrastructure, and Environment and Land; the Energy Water and Sanitation Authority; local NGOs Rwanda Environment Care and the Rwandan Organization for Solidarity and Development; and the Water and Environmental Engineering Association of the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.
Work in 2011
In 2011, Water For People–Rwanda is continuing to work toward increasing water coverage in the districts of Rulindo and Kicukiro. In Rulindo, a water extension system is being implemented to serve 28 communities, one health clinic and one school. The water system will be managed by a private operator who will be selected by the district through a tender process. In Kicukiro, Water For People–Rwanda is working with the district and national utility EWSA to provide safe drinking water access to 38 communities. In addition, Water For People–Rwanda plans to work in nine schools in Rulindo and Kicukiro.
