Runda Sector, Kamonyi District – On September 27th, 2019, the long-anticipated completion of the water supply project in Runda Sector was officially marked with a celebratory closing event. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda, Kamonyi District authorities, the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), ARDE/KUBAHO, and local residents gathered to commemorate the achievement.
This significant project, funded through the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project (GGP) program, received a grant of US$86,451 (Rwf 78 million). The six-month construction initiative delivered key infrastructure improvements to the water supply network, ensuring reliable and safe access to water for thousands of residents in Runda Sector.
The project entailed the capture of a water source, the construction of a water tank, and the installation of a 3.6-kilometer water pipeline system. Additionally, three public water kiosks and one public tap were erected, allowing residents to access clean water within 500 meters of their homes. Alongside these physical improvements, sanitation and hygiene training was provided to water-user committees, ensuring sustainable management of the new water system.
This development marks a turning point for Runda, which now benefits from a stable water supply with fewer breakdowns, reduced water losses, and lower maintenance costs. Residents expressed their deep gratitude for the project, highlighting the positive impact on their daily lives.
“Before, we used to fetch water from swamps, but now, with the new water taps and kiosks, that will change,” said Innocent Bizimana, a beneficiary of the project. Another resident, Anitha Byukusenge, praised the convenience of the new system: “It is a blessing to fetch water within a short distance from our households, which was not the case before. We hope other sectors will also gain access to safe water, as many places in Kamonyi still struggle.”
ARDE/KUBAHO’s president, Paul Murenzi, emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts to secure further funding and expand water access in Kamonyi and other regions. “We knock on different doors, and we hope that once we have more funds, we will expand this project,” he stated, adding that discussions with donors are underway for larger-scale initiatives.
Vice Mayor for Economic Development of Kamonyi, Tuyizere Thadée, acknowledged the district’s continued challenges with water access, which remains below 72%. He cited outdated water networks and a lack of rehabilitation as key issues but expressed optimism about achieving Rwanda’s 2024 water access targets. “We are working on rehabilitating existing networks and partnering with stakeholders to develop new systems in underserved sectors,” he said.
Takayuki Miyashita, Ambassador of Japan in Rwanda, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s water infrastructure. “Lack of access to water hinders development, particularly for women, who spend much of their time fetching water instead of engaging in income-generating activities,” he noted, stressing the importance of continued collaboration.
As ARDE/KUBAHO looks ahead, the organization remains dedicated to improving the livelihoods of Rwandans by ensuring full access to clean water in water-scarce communities. With sustained commitment and support, Kamonyi District’s water challenges may soon be a thing of the past.
This successful project not only enhances Runda’s water supply but also contributes to sustainable water management and improved public health, offering hope for broader development across Kamonyi District.
