The expansion of the Mutobo Water Treatment Plant in Musanze District is nearing completion, with works now 97 per cent complete, a development expected to significantly increase clean water supply in the Northern and Western provinces.
The Ministry of Infrastructure said the first phase of the project will add 43,000 cubic metres of water per day to the plant’s production capacity, on top of the 12,500 cubic metres it currently supplies daily.
Once completed, the upgraded facility will produce about 55,500 cubic metres of water per day, strengthening access to clean water for more than 354,000 residents in Musanze and Burera districts, as well as parts of Nyabihu and Rubavu districts.
Located in Rubindi Cell, Gataraga Sector, Musanze District, Mutobo Water Treatment Plant was constructed in 1987 and has long served communities in the region.
Currently, the plant supplies water to five sectors in Burera District and 11 sectors in Musanze. The expansion will allow it to extend services to the remaining four sectors of Musanze and reach additional communities in Nyabihu and Rubavu districts.
The Rwf14 billion project includes the construction of a new treatment facility, 40 water reservoirs across Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu districts, four water pumping stations, 135 public water points and other supporting infrastructure.
The plant relies on two main water sources—Rubindi and Mutobo springs—which currently support daily production. After the upgrade, the expanded facility will improve the reliability of water supply and help meet growing demand in the four districts.
The project is also expected to increase operational costs, with the plant projected to spend about Rwf30 million monthly on electricity required to pump and distribute water to households and other users.
The expansion of Mutobo is part of ongoing government efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and strengthen water infrastructure across the country.
