{{Kigali }} – {This week the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Natural Resources officially opened the Migera Water System in Kayonza District. The system, which was constructed over the last two years under USAID’s Rwanda Integrated Water Security Program, provides sustainable access to water for over 30,000 people living in Mwiri and Rwinkwavu sectors, as well as Rwinkwavu Hospital, two health centers, seven public schools, markets and commercial centers. }
The Eastern Province faces significant drinking water challenges, and the Migera system is working improve water security in the region and in turn contribute to improvements across sectors, including health and agriculture. It is widely recognized that insufficient and inadequate access to water has significant negative health, economic, and social impacts. By expanding access to water, USAID expects progress will be made in hygiene and sanitation, irrigation, and preventing disease and malnutrition due to unsafe drinking water.
The Migera system was inaugurated by USAID Mission Director Peter Malnak and Minister of Natural Resources, Dr. Vincent Biruta at the site of the system’s main water pump on March 17. The ribbon-cutting was followed by a ceremony in Kayonza where guests heard from dignitaries and district residents who are already benefitting from the water system.
“This is an exciting day for us,” said USAID Mission Director Peter Malnak. “The Migera water system is now providing thousands of families with daily access to water that is reliable, safe, and sustainable. We’re especially proud of the system’s connections to Rwinkwavu hospital and the two health centers, because it means that water will be available in those facilities to ensure people are receiving care that includes attention to hygiene and sanitation – a change which will benefit families well beyond the current reach of the rest of the Migera system.”
In addition to opening the system, USAID officially handed the system over to the Government of Rwanda for future management by the District of Kayonza.
”We are highly proud of today’s achievement “, said RIWSP Country Director Egide Nkuranga. “Local communities that have benefited in the Kayonza District from this program at the beginning of the project were fetching unsafe water from a dirty dam, usually used for cattle, and now they have safe water. We believe that it will make a big positive change for their entire lives.”
USAID’s Rwanda Integrated Water Security Program, implemented by Florida International University, has worked over the last two years to rehabilitate and expand water systems in Kayonza. The full Migera system comprises several components: the construction of the new water supply system, Migera III, and the rehabilitation and extension of the existing Migera I, Migera II and Rwazana water supply systems in the same area. In addition, the project supported the development of data and provided technical assistance to the Rwanda Natural Resources Agency (RNRA) in order to build the skills of RNRA and contribute to the sustainability of Rwanda’s water management efforts.
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