Water supply and sanitation in Rwanda

Flag of Rwanda

Water supply and sanitation in Rwanda refers to the provision of drinking water and the management of wastewater in the country of Rwanda. The sector has seen significant improvements over the past decades, but challenges remain in ensuring universal access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.

Overview

Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa with a population of approximately 12 million people. The country has made substantial progress in improving access to water and sanitation services, particularly in urban areas. However, rural areas still face significant challenges.

Water Supply

The water supply in Rwanda is managed by the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), a government-owned entity responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services. The main sources of water in Rwanda include surface water from rivers and lakes, as well as groundwater.

Urban Areas

In urban areas, the water supply network has expanded significantly. The capital city, Kigali, has a relatively well-developed water supply system, with most residents having access to piped water. However, intermittent supply and water quality issues remain concerns.

Rural Areas

Rural areas face more significant challenges in accessing clean water. Many rural communities rely on boreholes, springs, and rainwater harvesting. The government, along with various non-governmental organizations, has been working to improve rural water supply through the construction of new water points and the rehabilitation of existing ones.

Sanitation

Sanitation in Rwanda is managed by both WASAC and local governments. The country has made strides in improving sanitation facilities, but open defecation and inadequate sanitation infrastructure remain issues, particularly in rural areas.

Urban Sanitation

In urban areas, the focus has been on improving sewerage systems and promoting the use of improved latrines. Kigali has a centralized sewerage system, but coverage is limited, and many residents still rely on septic tanks and pit latrines.

Rural Sanitation

Rural sanitation efforts have focused on promoting community-led total sanitation (CLTS) and the construction of improved latrines. The government has set ambitious targets to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation coverage in rural areas.

Challenges

Despite progress, several challenges remain in the water supply and sanitation sector in Rwanda:

• **Funding:** Limited financial resources hinder the expansion and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
• **Water Quality:** Ensuring the quality of drinking water remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where water sources are often contaminated.
• **Climate Change:** Variability in rainfall patterns due to climate change affects water availability and reliability.

Government Initiatives

The Rwandan government has implemented several initiatives to address these challenges, including:

• **National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy:** A comprehensive policy framework aimed at improving water and sanitation services.
• **Vision 2020:** A development program that includes targets for universal access to clean water and improved sanitation.
• **Partnerships:** Collaboration with international organizations and NGOs to fund and implement water and sanitation projects.

See Also

• Water supply and sanitation in Africa
• Water management
• Public health in Rwanda
• Infrastructure in Rwanda