As Kicukiro District celebrates 16 years of partnership with the organization Water for People, significant progress has been highlighted in providing clean water to citizens and improving hygiene and sanitation, through collaboration between the government and various partners.
In 2008, Water for People began operating in Rwanda, working with institutions such as MININFRA, WASAC, and different districts. Kicukiro is among the districts that benefited from this partnership, reaching 94.5% of citizens with access to clean water, up from 49.4% in 2017. During the same period, hygiene and sanitation also improved from 54% to 100%.
Monique Huss, the Deputy Mayor of Kicukiro District in charge of Social Affairs, stated that this progress was made possible due to strong collaboration among different institutions. She added that the goal is for every sector in Kicukiro District to have sustainable access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation.
The organization Water for People also invested in providing clean water to schools. One example is EP Cyeru, where the school administration reported that water access has helped in fighting waterborne diseases and promoting hygiene among students, especially girls who can now continue attending school during their menstrual periods.
On behalf of Water for People, Eugene Dusingizumuremyi, the Country Director in Rwanda, thanked all the partners and emphasized that the implemented activities are meant to be sustainable and continue producing impact.
Gema Maniraruta, the Director General in charge of Water and Sanitation at MININFRA, reminded citizens to preserve water infrastructure, pay water bills on time, and avoid wasting water so that services can continue to be delivered efficiently.
To support clean water and sanitation efforts, Water for People donated a vehicle to Kicukiro District and two motorcycles to WASAC, aiming to strengthen the capacity to deliver clean water services and safeguard what has been achieved.
