Hichilema began his visit on Tuesday 20th June 2023.
Visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn from the country’s dark history that led to Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims, is part of his itinerary in Rwanda.
On his visit to the memorial, Hichilema was accompanied by top government officials. He is in Rwanda to attend the Inclusive Fintech Forum held in Kigali.
Hichilema was received by President Paul Kagame on Tuesday afternoon for a tête-à-tête, discussing the strong bilateral framework of cooperation between Rwanda and Zambia.
On the same day, Kagame hosted his counterpart of Zambia to a state banquet held at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Hichilema’s itinerary also includes visits to the innovative startup hub Norssken and tour the Africa Improved Foods (AIF) production facility at the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ).
The AIF production facility plays a crucial role in combatting malnutrition by locally producing highly nutritious foods in a scalable and sustainable manner.
On Wednesday, Hichilema and his delegation will engage in bilateral talks focused on enhancing the friendly are expected to address members of the press.
Hatumimana, a resident of Akimpundu Village, Gikundavura Cell, Karama Sector, Nyagatare District, has expressed his gratitude for the construction of Gatunda Hospital in Nyamikamba of Gatunda Sector. Previously, Hatumimana had to travel long distances to seek medical treatment, but now he can access quality healthcare services at the nearby hospital.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Isaïe Byamungu from Gashama Cell, Janja Sector in Gakenke District. He highlighted the scarcity of healthcare facilities in the area, with only Gatonde and Janja health facilities available. Byamungu shared his experience of the high costs of motorbike transport to Nemba Hospital, where his wife had given birth to four of their children. The establishment of modern hospitals at the district level has relieved the burden on residents like Byamungu, ensuring they can receive medical care without the need for arduous journeys.
The impact of these health infrastructure developments extends beyond Gatunda and Gatonde.
Residents from Munini in Nyaruguru and Shyira in Nyabihu, as well as other parts of the country, also express their gratitude for the improved proximity of healthcare facilities. President Paul Kagame, during his outreach visits, listened to citizens’ concerns and responded to their demands for increased infrastructure development, particularly in the health sector.
Gatonde District Hospital in Gakenke District was completed in April 2021 at a cost of Rwf 2.8 billion. Construction of the facility began in May 2017. Similarly, Gatunda District Hospital in Nyagatare District, located in Gatunda Sector, was completed in 2020, costing Rwf 4.3 billion.
Munini Hospital in Nyaruguru District, which underwent significant upgrades from 2019 onwards, was completed in 2021 at a cost of over Rwf 9 billion. Nyabikenke Hospital, a gift from President Kagame to the residents of Ndiza in Kiyumba Sector, was built with an allocated budget of Rwf 7 billion.
According to Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), the government allocated a total budget of Rwf 137.2 billion for the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals throughout the country.
The development of these medical infrastructures has had a profound impact on the lives of residents. The days of walking long distances to receive medical treatment are now behind them.
These modern hospitals offer a wide range of services, including pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, specialized dental care, eye care, orthopedics, HIV/AIDS patient care, and more.
Residents who have experienced the improvements in healthcare services express their heartfelt gratitude to President Paul Kagame for positively transforming their lives. Josiane Mukakarangwa from Gakenke District emphasizes the challenges faced before the hospital’s construction, particularly during childbirth emergencies. She appreciates the President’s support, which has improved access to timely medical assistance.
Claudine Mukandayishimiye from Muhanga District acknowledges the government’s efforts in overcoming the difficulties faced in reaching Kabgayi Hospital. She expresses her gratitude for the improved accessibility to quality healthcare services.
Olive Niyonteze, born in Rusenge Sector, Nyaruguru District, emphasizes the cleanliness and attentive care provided at the newly constructed hospitals. She describes the hygienic conditions, clean bedsheets, and regular visits from medical staff, ensuring that patients receive the necessary attention and care. Niyonteze expresses her relief that critically ill children no longer have to suffer without assistance, thanks to the improved healthcare services.
Francine Nyiransabimana from Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District, shares her experience of the overcrowded Nyagatare Hospital, where many patients faced difficulties in receiving timely surgeries due to the high volume of patients. She expresses her gratitude for the newly built hospital, recounting how she arrived early in the morning and had already completed her examinations and radiography without delays, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare services provided.
Augustin Hatumimana from Karama Sector in Nyagatare District also expresses his appreciation for the proximity of healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to travel to Uganda for medical treatment.
He acknowledges the positive impact of the hospitals, stating that there is no longer any reason to seek treatment outside Rwanda.
In addition to the remarkable developments in healthcare infrastructure upcountry, Kigali City has also witnessed significant improvements. Recently, a high-level hospital was completed in Nyarugenge District, addressing the challenges faced by residents in accessing fast and efficient healthcare services. This new hospital complements existing facilities in the district, such as Muhima Hospital, which specializes in maternal care.
It is also worth mentioning that the construction for the headquarters of the African hub of the Research Institute against Digestive Cancer (IRCAD) is underway in Masaka, Kigali City. IRCAD is a renowned French institute dedicated to advancing and teaching minimally invasive surgery, particularly for gastric cancer. The construction of IRCAD Africa is at 79% completion, and it is expected to enhance the medical capabilities in the region.
Moreover, plans are in place to expand Masaka Hospital, where Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente Edouard officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion project on Thursday 30th March 2023. The project, currently at 18.25% completion, is supported by the People’s Republic of China.
The expanded Masaka Hospital will be used to house the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), with increased capacity to accommodate 2,000 patients per day and a total of 837 beds. It will also feature specialized departments such as emergency, pediatric, and infectious departments, as well as modern technological facilities such as the Air compressor room, Oxygen Generator Station, radiology department, blood bank, laboratory department, and ultrasound and functional examination rooms.
The developments in Rwanda’s health infrastructure demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for its citizens. Through significant investments and construction projects, the country has witnessed remarkable progress in healthcare delivery, resulting in improved medical care, reduced travel distances, and increased efficiency in treating patients.
Yusuf Murangwa, the Director General of NISR, emphasized the importance of translating this 9.03% growth into improved livelihoods for Rwandans.
He stated, “Economic growth should translate into better lives of Rwandans. Their growth signifies their hard work and increased profits. When retail businesses thrive, it reflects the overall growth of Rwandans. The 17% growth in wholesale and retail trade is especially commendable.”
Agricultural activities witnessed a 1% growth, contributing 0.2 percentage points to the overall GDP growth. Within the agricultural sector, the production of food crops experienced a decrease of 3%, while the production of export crops increased by 25%.
Industrial activities expanded by 9% and contributed 1.7 percentage points to GDP growth.
Construction activities increased by 1%, mining and quarrying by 15%, and manufacturing activities by 16%. The growth in the manufacturing sector was driven by a 22% increase in food processing, a 26% increase in the manufacturing of metal products, machinery, and equipment, a 37% increase in the manufacturing of chemicals, rubber, and plastic products, an 18% increase in the manufacturing of wood and paper printing, and a 7% increase in the manufacturing of non-metallic minerals.
The service sector experienced a robust growth of 13%. Within this sector, wholesale and retail trade increased by 17%, transport activities by 19%, hotel and restaurant industry by 42%, financial services by 12%, telecommunication services by 43%, professional and scientific services declined by 6%, public administration services increased by 7%, and education services by 13%.
However, health services recorded a negative growth of 3% following a high growth of 22% in the same quarter of 2022.
Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the figures suggest a continued reduction in market prices in the coming days.
He was speaking during a press conference on Wednesday 14th June 2023 that focused on reasons for recent dismissal of 116 RDF soldiers and rescission of contracts of 112 RDF personnel.
Last week, President Paul Kagame reshuffled RDF top brass where Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga was named Chief of Defence Staff replacing Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
Other changes saw Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi appointed as RDF Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) while Juvenal Marizamunda, the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) was named Minister of Defence replacing Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
Among others, Colonel Francis Regis Gatarayiha was named Acting Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF replacing Maj Gen Nyakarundi.
In the same week, President Kagame dismissed from RDF, Major General Aloys Muganga and Brigadier General Francis Mutiganda along with 14 other officers.
A statement announcing the dismissals last week also read that the Head of State authorized the dismissal of 116 other ranks and approved the rescission of service contracts of 112 other ranks.
Speaking to members of the press today, Brig Gen Rwivanga disclosed that these dismissals and rescission have no connection with recent changes in RDF leadership.
Maj Gen Muganga served as the Acting Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) from November 2018 prior to his latest appointment as the Commander of Mechanized Division in April 2019.
Besides, Brig Gen Mutiganda previously served as the Acting Director General of the external security department at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) before he was re-deployed to RDF Headquarters in 2018.
The Article 7 of the Law Nº 38/2015 of 30/07/2015 determining the downsizing, dismissal ,discharge and demobilization of RDF personnel; stipulates that a member of Rwanda Defence Forces may be dismissed due to gross misconduct.
It reads that gross misconduct leading to dismissal has to be approved by the competent authority.
Among others, officers are dismissed by a Presidential Order while Non Commissioned Officers and troops are dismissed by an Order of the Minister.
As for rescission of service contract, the article 105 of the Presidential Order Nº 044/01 of 14/02/2020 indicates that the Minister rescinds, when considered necessary, the service contract entered into with a soldier.
It further states that the soldier whose service contract is rescinded is entitled to a rescission of the contract package equivalent to a quarter (1/4) of the end of contract package.
Amidst favorable investment conditions and the strategic use of both debt and equity instruments, Rwanda witnessed an 8.5 percent rise in FDI stocks, reaching an impressive $2.9 billion. This remarkable growth in FDI encompasses various foreign investments, including FDIs, portfolio investments, and other forms of capital.
Highlighting the source countries, Mauritius emerged as the top contributor, accounting for a significant 30.5 percent of FDI, primarily focused on the financial, ICT, manufacturing, and electricity sectors. Following closely is India, with a notable 17.9 percent investment in construction, and China with 17.6 percent invested in the tourism and manufacturing sectors.
Major FDI stocks also originated from countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and the USA, showcasing Rwanda’s attractiveness to a wide range of global investors.
FDIs remain the driving force behind Rwanda’s foreign private capital investments, demonstrating a remarkable recovery from $386.4 million in 2020 to a substantial $543.8 million in 2021, marking a 40.7 percent increase. The report states, “The rise in FPC inflows can be attributed to the recovery of economic activities from the poor performance induced by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.” Remarkably, Rwanda’s total FPC stock stood at a commendable $4.1 billion by the end of 2021.
While acknowledging the challenges faced globally, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report sheds light on Rwanda’s resilience. Despite these obstacles, the country experienced a significant boost in return on investment (ROI), soaring to 11.8 percent in 2021, surpassing the global average of 9.7 percent. Rwanda’s ability to thrive in the face of adversity highlights its strong economic foundation and promising investment climate.
In contrast to global trends, Africa’s FDI flows amounted to $83 billion in 2021, doubling the figures from 2020 and accounting for an impressive 5.2 percent of global FDI. Rwanda’s outstanding performance in this landscape speaks volumes about the country’s potential as a prime investment destination.
In his introductory statement; Central Bank Governor, John Rwangombwa, emphasized the significance of the FPC census report for the Government of Rwanda, stating that it plays a vital role in shaping policy measures that attract FDI and enhance the business environment.
Undeterred by economic challenges, Rwanda remains steadfast in its commitment to promote diverse FDI opportunities.
This commitment is exemplified by programs like the Manufacture and Build to Recover initiative, which has already generated $1.2 billion worth of investments. With the launch of its second phase in March 2023, Rwanda aims to attract a staggering $2.5 billion in investments across priority sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, agro-processing, and ICT.
Rwanda’s remarkable FDI growth story serves as an inspiration to the world, defying global challenges and positioning itself as an enticing investment hub. With a thriving economy and promising returns, Rwanda stands tall as an exemplar of resilience and opportunity in the international business landscape.
He made the disclosure on Monday 12th June 2023 during celebrations of “Russia Day” in Kigali.
Amb. Chalyan stated that the past 20 years have seen a gradual and measured progress of multifaceted relations with Rwanda, especially in the fields of political support and dialogue, training of personnel, defence, digital technology and nuclear energy.
“For example, this academic year the number of Government scholarships, offered to Rwanda, increased twofold. Together we have made the first good steps in revitalizing our cooperation in the field of medicine, and in particular biomedical research,” he noted.
Amb. Chalyan affirmed that both countries are continuously expanding political dialogue and humanitarian interaction observing that there is much room for growth and improvement, for the increase in the potential of bilateral cooperation, which both countries possess, including in the field of interaction between private businesses.
Amb. Chalyan said that Rwanda-Russia cooperation in international affairs is strong and growing where both countries share the same belief that there is no alternative to international law and the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter which must be applied without double standards.
He also highlighted that Russia and Rwanda share opinions on most issues of the UN agenda and cooperate on the agenda related to African issues in the UN Security Council.
“Russia maintains a high opinion of Rwanda’s efforts to bring peace to areas beset by strife and conflict. As an old UN peacekeeper myself, I can only echo my Government’s appreciation of the Rwandans military and police contingent’s excellent work in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Cabo-Delgado province of Mozambique,” said Amb. Chalyan.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that diplomatic relations established between both countries 60 years ago experienced remarkable growth and vitality particularly in the past five years , marked by high level visits from both sides.
He also stated that both countries share a long and fruitful history of cooperation that was recently deepened in the areas of education, energy, peace and security.
“In the field of education, Russia has been a long-standing partner of Rwanda. Russian universities and higher education institutions have welcomed thousands of Rwandan students who have played significant roles in Rwanda’s development,” remarked Dr. Biruta.
He also expressed delight for current developments where the Russian Federation is set to offer free online Russian language courses to Rwandan students.
To this end, Dr. Biruta disclosed that Rwanda Higher Education Council and the University of Rwanda are actively working together to provide suitable facilities for interested candidates in Rwanda.
Among others, he said that Rwanda is delighted to engage in bilateral cooperation with Russia, particularly in addressing security challenges, and combating terrorism, and other transnational threats.
“As we continue to work closely together to resolve various conflicts in our respective regions, it is important that we seek peaceful approaches to regional mechanisms to address the root causes of these conflicts and find lasting solutions,” he noted.
Minister Birutra disclosed that there are ongoing discussions between both countries to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, smart cities, space technology, health, and sports and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing and strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and cooperation.
“We are also committed to continuing to work closely with Russia and the international community on multilateral issues of mutual interest,” he concluded.
Observed every year on June 12, Russia Day commemorates when the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic first declared state sovereignty in 1990.
The declaration served as the foundation for reforms that led to Russia’s democracy.
The day was celebrated this year amidst ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that erupted in February last year.
The Russian Ambassador to Rwanda has said that his country has clearly explained that the goal of conducting ‘its special military operation’ is ‘to remove the threat to national security that NATO has been creating for years’ on its borders.
He underscored that the ‘special military operation’ is aimed at protecting a population that the regime in Kiev ‘has been killing with impunity for many years with the blessing of its Western allies’.
As set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2), the journey towards food and nutritional security for Africa has a clear destination to achieve zero hunger. The target is to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people by 2030. It is undeniable that technology, increasingly becoming a prerequisite, plays a vital role in this journey.
During the recent 8th Africa Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) in Durban, South Africa, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships and technologies to eradicate hunger in Africa. He highlighted the need to combine science, technology, and innovation to drive a more productive, efficient, and competitive agricultural system.
These observations make it clear that technology, among other solutions, can accelerate progress in achieving food sufficiency in African countries. With innovative approaches that help farmers adapt to climate change and proactively address challenges, African farmers can contribute to the continent’s ambition of achieving food sufficiency.
One of the critical players promising to drive this cause is PCS AGRI, a startup based in Morocco that is revolutionizing agriculture through its tomato yield prediction platform. Recognizing the need to overhaul the agricultural system in Africa, PCS AGRI has developed a yield estimation application that enables farmers to make informed decisions, improve yields, and mitigate losses.
The innovative technology was among solutions showcased on the sidelines of the recently concluded GITEX Africa Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco from 31st May to 2nd June 2023.
It brought together more than 900 tech companies, startups, government entities, and participants from over 100 countries.
Speaking to IGIHE, Tahar Hamdani, the CEO of PCS AGRI, disclosed that the idea emerged when they identified the challenges faced by farmers and developed the application nearly one year ago.
Working with farmers growing tomatoes on 2000 hectares, they have developed a platform that is currently being tested and has proven to be 80% accurate.
“We assist growers in accurately predicting their harvest yields and timing by leveraging a mobile application that solely requires the grower to capture videos. Through cloud-based processing, we are capable of distinguishing various colors in the fruit at present, with future prospects of also detecting the fruit’s caliber within the captured videos,” elaborated Tahar.
As he said, this platform provides growers with valuable insights into their harvests for the next two weeks, enabling them to plan their operations effectively, estimate labor requirements, and optimize packaging processes. The application is particularly valuable for Moroccan farmers exporting to European markets, where precise estimations are crucial.
Tahar believes that PCS AGRI’s solution is ideal for addressing common scenarios faced by growers.
“Our solution is currently in the demonstration and testing phase. We have achieved an impressive 80% accuracy thus far, with our ultimate goal set at 90% accuracy. We firmly believe that within the next one or two months, we will successfully attain this target,” he noted.
Tahar emphasized the importance of providing growers with effective solutions due to the challenges they face in their daily interactions with customers.
“They are communicating that I will give my clients 10 tons of products but they finally deliver only 7 tons and their customers are not happy. So, we need an accurate estimation to have win-win collaboration,” he stated.
Regarding the payment structure, Tahar revealed that every grower pays a yearly subscription fee for the application per hectare.
“We are testing it with three main growers in Morocco who cultivate tomatoes on 2000 hectares. After validation, it will be commercialized to more farmers,” he noted.
The introduction of similar innovations suggests that Africa can elevate its agricultural system and extend the technology to other crops, aligning with ongoing efforts to mitigate risks in agriculture.
Besides, the startup’s story can serves as an inspiration for many to continue innovating and contribute to the advancement of agriculture in Africa.
The village will house vulnerable residents and others from disaster-prone areas from different parts of Rubavu District in Western Province who were affected flooding and landslides mainly occasioned by River Sebeya overflow.
The disasters that hit different parts of the country took lives of over 130 people in Western, Northern and Southern Provinces of Rwanda.
Anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2023, the model village will accommodate 120 families from various areas in Rubavu. The village is being constructed on land previously used for a small modern village that sheltered vulnerable residents from Rubavu.
The model village is being built by Ministry of Defence/Reserve Forces while Gasabo 3D Design Ltd is supervising construction works. Meanwhile, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) is monotoring the implementation of the project on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.
Niyonshuti Elie, an employee of Gasabo 3D Design Ltd and a construction supervisor, mentioned that the village’s construction is nearing completion.
Comprising two phases, Rugerero Model Village is almost finished, he said. The first phase consists of three multi-storey blocks that will provide housing for 120 families.
The second phase encompasses essential infrastructure, including roads, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), a furniture workshop, a market, an extension and renovation of Muhira Health Post, electricity and water supply, a playground, public toilets, and a vegetable and fruit farm, among other amenities.
Each housing unit within the village consists of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a toilet. Additionally, each house has a back porch with laundry facilities, a kitchenette, and a sitting area. The front porch is shared among all residents, serving as the entrance to their respective homes.
Another housing unit will accommodate 40 families, with each family receiving a room along with a bathroom, a toilet, a kitchen, a living room, and a veranda. The residents will use the back exit of the unit to access their respective courtyards.
While private bathrooms are available in each house, public lavatories are also provided.
Furthermore, each house has its own water and electricity meters. The front of the building units is adorned with a beautiful garden featuring fruit and ornamental trees, providing a refreshing ambiance.
The village features well-constructed roads, open spaces, and water reservoirs. Additionally, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD) with six classrooms, a head teacher’s office, a kitchen, and a conference room will be established. The school will be equipped with necessary educational resources and recreational facilities to cater to the children residing in the village.
Sports enthusiasts will find delight in the basketball and volleyball courts, which are complemented by stadium-like seating areas. Livestock sheds will also be constructed to facilitate animal husbandry, including chickens that will be distributed to village residents.
To ensure easy access, a tarmac road connecting the Kigali-Rubavu highway to the village is also under construction.
Specifically, the category of Food and non-alcoholic beverages witnessed a 25.4 percent increase compared to the previous year, but experienced a 3.8 percent decrease on a monthly basis. Similarly, ‘Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics’ saw a 21.5 percent annual increase and a 0.7 percent increase on a monthly basis. The Transport sector observed a 7.6 percent increase in prices on an annual basis, along with a 0.2 percent increase on a monthly basis.
Figures further show that the prices of “local products” increased by 15.9 percent on an annual basis, but experienced a 1.5 percent decrease compared to the previous month. Conversely, prices of “imported products” rose by 8.7 percent on an annual basis but decreased by 0.5 percent on a monthly basis.
Notably, the prices of “fresh products” displayed a significant annual change of 38.3 percent, yet underwent a monthly decrease of 4 percent. Meanwhile, the prices of “energy” increased by 5.9 percent annually and rose by 0.2 percent on a monthly basis.
When excluding fresh products and energy from the general index, the overall inflation rate remained at 8.7 percent on an annual basis, but experienced a 0.5 percent monthly decrease.
The project, funded by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), involves the construction of a 900-millimeter diameter pipe to replace the existing 600-millimeter pipe.
The size of the pipe, which is being built by JICA in collaboration with Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) , will increase the quantity of distributed water from 40,000 cubic meters to 62,000.
Eng Umuhumuza Gisèle, the CEO of WASAC, has stated that the remaining 1% of the project involves connecting existing pipelines with newly constructed ones, cleaning them, and testing pumping stations.
Apart from the construction of new 900 mm pipe, she said, existing ones will be considered to facilitate the distribution of water from the Ntora site to various areas, including Runda in Kamonyi District.
Umuhumuza further mentioned that with all the necessary equipment in place, WASAC will be able to distribute 145,000 cubic meters of water per day.
In addition to the pipeline, WASAC has constructed a new water distribution station in Nzove, installed machinery for water distribution, renovated the Ntora reservoir, upgraded pipes supplying water to different parts of Kigali and beyond, and built a new water reservoir with a capacity of 200 cubic meters.
Minako Shiotsuka, the JICA Chief Representative to Rwanda, highlighted their collaboration with WASAC to enhance the capacity of local employees in pipeline maintenance.
Abimana Fidèle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, expressed that the pipeline will significantly increase water supply to different parts of the country, particularly in Kigali City.
Abimana further acknowledged that the current small pipes limited the efficient distribution of the large quantity of water produced. Among others, he stated, the upgraded pipeline will help provide a consistent water supply to Gasanze, Bumbogo, Bweramvura, Remera, Kimironko, and other areas, contributing to the achievement of universal access to water.
During the process of connecting the new pipes to the existing ones and transitioning from the 600 mm to the 900 mm pipe, there may be a temporary reduction in the quantity of supplied water.
This work, scheduled to begin on June 8, 2023, is expected to last for two weeks. However, Abimana assured that water availability will not be completely disrupted during this period.
In addition to the Nzove-Ntora network rehabilitation and construction project, JICA is assisting WASAC in problem-solving through the ‘KAIZEN’ approach, promoting positive and sustainable change. This initiative enables WASAC employees to maintain infrastructure, improve services, and reduce losses by utilizing available resources effectively.
The project, aimed at increasing the amount of clean water supplied in Kigali, is estimated to cost approximately Rwf26.7 billion. Another project involves the expansion of water reservoirs and pipes along a 568-kilometer network in Kigali City.
The Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, emphasized Japan’s commitment to providing sufficient and clean water to Rwandans through development cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
WASAC currently uses four treatment plants to distribute water to different parts of Kigali City.
These plants include Nzove, Kanzenze which supplies 30,000 cubic meters, Kimisagara, which supplies 20,000 cubic meters, and Karenge which distributes between 10,000 and 11,000 cubic meters to Kigali on a daily basis.
