For years, residents of Ubwiza Village in Rurambi Cell, Nyamirama Sector, Kayonza District, began their days before sunrise, not for farming, but for water.
Women and children would walk for up to two hours to Karongi to fetch water, often from unsafe sources. School attendance suffered, livestock went thirsty, and waterborne diseases were common.
Today, that routine is gone. A newly constructed modern water point, built through a partnership between SOS Children’s Villages Kayonza and district authorities, is now supplying clean, reliable water to nearly 300 households.
“Children missed school because of water”
Kayigira François, a resident of Ubwiza Village, says the change has been life-altering.
“We used to face many challenges. Children missed school because they had to fetch water. Even when they went, they arrived late, and we parents were called to explain,” he recalls.
Beyond education, the lack of water affected livelihoods.
“We struggled to find water for our livestock. Sometimes the source would dry up, and at times water was expensive. This tap has rescued us. Now we have water that does not dry up,” he said.
Decline in waterborne diseases
Residents say access to clean water has significantly reduced cases of diarrhea and other water-related illnesses.
“We used to see frequent cases of diarrhea, especially among children. Since we started using clean water, those problems have reduced for both children and adults,” another villager said.
For many families, the new water point means more than convenience—it means dignity, health and time regained for productive work.
A partnership focused on children’s welfare
Robert Sande, Director of SOS Children’s Villages Kayonza, said the project aligns with the organization’s broader mission of ensuring children grow up in safe and healthy environments.
“Our goal is to ensure children enjoy good health and grow up in stable families. Clean water is fundamental to that,” he said.
The organization already had a water pipeline serving its facilities and collaborated with the district, which provided land for the public water point.
“This has enabled nearly 300 households to access reliable water. It improves health outcomes and allows children to focus on their education,” Sande added.
District aims for 100% coverage by 2029
Mayor of Kayonza District, Hategekimana Fred, said the water point is part of wider efforts to expand access to clean water across the district.
He highlighted ongoing projects including Migera, which will supply water to parts of Rwinkwavu Sector; Ndego; and Muhazi II, expected to serve Rukara and Murundi sectors.
“Our objective is to ensure that every village has access to water,” the mayor said.
Currently, Kayonza District has achieved 87 percent coverage in access to clean water, with authorities targeting universal access by 2029.
For residents of Ubwiza Village, that future has already begun, one tap at a time.
