WASAC says Kigali water projects to close 65,000-cubic-meter daily gap

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-03T09:20:09Z

The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) says ongoing and planned infrastructure projects are expected to close a daily water shortage of about 65,000 cubic meters in Kigali, where demand continues to outpace supply.

The city currently requires about 210,000 cubic meters of water per day but produces about 145,000 cubic meters, according to WASAC, leaving a deficit that has contributed to intermittent water supply in several neighborhoods.

Residents in areas including Kanombe, Busanza and Karembure have reported increased water shortages in recent weeks, even before the peak of the dry season.

In some locations, limited supply has driven up prices at public water points, where vendors have reportedly raised the cost of a jerrycan from about 20 Rwandan francs to as much as 300 francs, depending on demand.

WASAC Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Asaph Kabaasha said that the shortage is driven by the gap between production and demand across the city.

He said short-term interventions include the expansion of the Nzove water treatment plant, which is expected to add 20,000 cubic meters per day by September. He said a contractor has already been signed for the project.

Kabaasha also pointed to a longer-term project expected to add 400,000 cubic meters per day by 2035. The project will draw water from the Nyabarongo II hydropower system, where water will be used for electricity generation and urban supply.

He said the Karenge water treatment plant is also being expanded from 12,000 cubic meters per day to 48,000 cubic meters, with 36,000 cubic meters expected to be supplied to Kigali.

Kabaasha urged residents to conserve water, protect infrastructure and report illegal connections, saying the ongoing investments are aimed at improving reliable access to clean water across the city.

Rwanda Launches $62 Million Nyamagabe WASH Program to Achieve Universal Water Access by 2030

Administrator — 2026-04-14T11:16:59Z

The Ministry of Infrastructure, through the WASAC Group in partnership with Water For People and Nyamagabe District, has launched the Nyamagabe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program, a $62 million initiative aimed at delivering universal access to safe water and improved sanitation services by 2030.

The program was officially launched during a ceremony that included the laying of a foundation stone at a planned water infrastructure site. The event was presided over by Gemma Maniraruta, Director General in charge of Water and Sanitation at the Ministry of Infrastructure, alongside Prof. Omar Munyaneza, Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group, and other WASH partners.

The initiative is designed to expand access to water services in Nyamagabe District from the current 59% coverage to full coverage for all residents. It also seeks to improve sanitation and hygiene services in schools, health facilities and other public institutions.

Maniraruta said the program aligns with Rwanda's national goal of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation services by 2029, adding that it is expected to improve public health and livelihoods.

“I am confident that the Government of Rwanda and Water For People's interventions in Nyamagabe District will significantly contribute to poverty reduction and enhanced wellbeing. Beyond improving prosperity, these interventions will create jobs and drive economic development,” she said.

Key components of the project include the construction of new water treatment plants at Rukarara and Mbirurume, upgrading the existing Gisuma Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity to 1,700 cubic meters per day, and rehabilitating and extending 46 water supply systems.

The program also includes construction of 1,396 toilet cabins, 91 girls' sanitation rooms in schools, and installation of 571 rainwater harvesting tanks.

Prof. Munyaneza urged residents to protect water infrastructure from vandalism and to connect to water systems as services become available, while also emphasizing the importance of timely payment for water services.

Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri thanked the government for launching the program and acknowledged the role of partners including Water For People and WaterAid Rwanda.

The program will be implemented through 2030 by Nyamagabe District, WASAC Group and Water For People.

Vision Media

WASAC says Kigali water projects to close 65,000-cubic-meter daily gap

Rwanda Launches $62 Million Nyamagabe WASH Program to Achieve Universal Water Access by 2030