Residents of Musange Sector in Nyamagabe District have welcomed new access to clean water, saying it will improve hygiene, prevent waterborne diseases, and urging the community to maintain the infrastructure for long-term benefits.
The water supply, delivered through the Kariba–Jenda–Masizi pipeline, now reaches over 2,000 residents thanks to a partnership between the Rwandan government and Water For People Rwanda.
In addition to improving access, the cost of water has been significantly reduced, with a single jerrycan now costing 8 Rwf, compared to 150 Rwf previously when residents had to fetch it from distant sources.
Vedaste Nshimiyimana, a local resident, said the absence of clean water previously exposed the community to preventable illnesses.
He said: “Before, we barely had clean water, but now we can protect ourselves from intestinal diseases.”
Jacqueline Uwimanimpaye added that accessing water had been a major challenge and thanked authorities for bringing the service closer.
She said: “It used to be very difficult, but now there’s no excuse for poor hygiene because water is available.”
In the nine months since the project began, over 170 kilometers of pipelines have been installed, nearly a quarter of which are in Musange Sector.
Over the past two years, Nyamagabe District has constructed more than 250 kilometers of water pipelines, providing clean water to 60% of households.
Eugene Dusingizumuremyi, Project Manager of Water For People Rwanda, said the goal is to extend clean water access to every household in the district.
He said: “We aim for every resident to have clean water to promote hygiene and prevent disease.”
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri urged residents to protect the water infrastructure to ensure its sustainability.
He said: “Water is life. Take care of it and protect the pipelines so they continue to benefit the community for years.”
The district’s five-year development plan, from 2025 to 2030, includes constructing over 1,400 kilometers of pipelines, aiming to provide clean water to more than 370,000 residents.
