The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) has announced that starting next week, more than 500,000 residents across eight sectors in Gatsibo and Kayonza districts will begin receiving clean water following the completion of the Muhazi Water Supply System. Construction of the plant began in 2023 in Murambi Sector, Rwankuba Cell, near Lake Muhazi in Gatsibo District. The project cost over Rwf 18 billion.
Water Distribution to Cover Eight Sectors Across Two Districts
The facility will supply water to sectors including Kiramuruzi, Kiziguro, Murambi, Remera, and Rugarama in Gatsibo, as well as Rukara, Gahini, and Murundi in Kayonza.
First Phase Completion and Future Expansion Plans
According to Sematabaro Joseph, head of WASAC Group in Gatsibo, the first phase of the plant, producing 12,000 cubic metres of water per day, is complete. Two additional phases will follow, raising total capacity to 36,000 cubic metres daily.
“This project will benefit about 530,000 residents who have long struggled with water shortages. We are currently testing water quality, and once confirmed, distribution to households will begin next week,” Sematabaro said.
Residents and Local Leaders Welcome the Project
Residents expressed relief, noting that they had previously relied on unsafe sources such as Lake Muhazi, which exposed them to parasites and waterborne diseases. Nyiramukunzi Clarisse explained: “We used to bathe and wash clothes rarely because water was scarce. Now we are happy to hear that clean water will be provided, which will improve hygiene.”
Local leaders also welcomed the development. Gisagara Edith, Executive Secretary of Kiramuruzi Sector, said: “The first change we expect is improved hygiene and sanitation. The second is security, since people, especially women and children, used to fetch water at night from unsafe swamps. We urge residents to protect the new pipelines and water points.”
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Infrastructure Details of Muhazi Water Supply System
The Muhazi Water Supply System includes 256 km of pipelines, 11 reservoirs, and 165 public taps. Once fully operational, it will provide clean water close to home for more than half a million people in Gatsibo and Kayonza districts.
