The project, funded by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), involves the construction of a 900-millimeter diameter pipe to replace the existing 600-millimeter pipe.

The size of the pipe, which is being built by JICA in collaboration with Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) , will increase the quantity of distributed water from 40,000 cubic meters to 62,000.

Eng Umuhumuza Gisèle, the CEO of WASAC, has stated that the remaining 1% of the project involves connecting existing pipelines with newly constructed ones, cleaning them, and testing pumping stations.

Apart from the construction of new 900 mm pipe, she said, existing ones will be considered to facilitate the distribution of water from the Ntora site to various areas, including Runda in Kamonyi District.

Umuhumuza further mentioned that with all the necessary equipment in place, WASAC will be able to distribute 145,000 cubic meters of water per day.

In addition to the pipeline, WASAC has constructed a new water distribution station in Nzove, installed machinery for water distribution, renovated the Ntora reservoir, upgraded pipes supplying water to different parts of Kigali and beyond, and built a new water reservoir with a capacity of 200 cubic meters.

Minako Shiotsuka, the JICA Chief Representative to Rwanda, highlighted their collaboration with WASAC to enhance the capacity of local employees in pipeline maintenance.

Abimana Fidèle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, expressed that the pipeline will significantly increase water supply to different parts of the country, particularly in Kigali City.

Abimana further acknowledged that the current small pipes limited the efficient distribution of the large quantity of water produced. Among others, he stated, the upgraded pipeline will help provide a consistent water supply to Gasanze, Bumbogo, Bweramvura, Remera, Kimironko, and other areas, contributing to the achievement of universal access to water.

During the process of connecting the new pipes to the existing ones and transitioning from the 600 mm to the 900 mm pipe, there may be a temporary reduction in the quantity of supplied water.

This work, scheduled to begin on June 8, 2023, is expected to last for two weeks. However, Abimana assured that water availability will not be completely disrupted during this period.

In addition to the Nzove-Ntora network rehabilitation and construction project, JICA is assisting WASAC in problem-solving through the ’KAIZEN’ approach, promoting positive and sustainable change. This initiative enables WASAC employees to maintain infrastructure, improve services, and reduce losses by utilizing available resources effectively.

The project, aimed at increasing the amount of clean water supplied in Kigali, is estimated to cost approximately Rwf26.7 billion. Another project involves the expansion of water reservoirs and pipes along a 568-kilometer network in Kigali City.

The Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, emphasized Japan’s commitment to providing sufficient and clean water to Rwandans through development cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.

WASAC currently uses four treatment plants to distribute water to different parts of Kigali City.

These plants include Nzove, Kanzenze which supplies 30,000 cubic meters, Kimisagara, which supplies 20,000 cubic meters, and Karenge which distributes between 10,000 and 11,000 cubic meters to Kigali on a daily basis.

The new water pipeline is expected to increased quantity of water supplied to different parts of Kigali.

WASAC CEO, Eng Umuhumuza Gisèle said that remaining 1% is predominantly about maintenance works.

Officials from Rwanda and Japan visiting Nzove water treatment plant this week.

Water from River Nyabarongo goes through different treatment processes before distribution.

Nzove plant fetches water from River Nyabarongo.

Officials from Japan and Rwanda toured different sections of Nzove treatment plant.