Kigali, 28^th July, 2016 - The Government of Rwanda has committed to ensuring increased and improved access to water and sanitation facilities and provide a good environment for doing business with more efficient planning, being realized by matching infrastructures available (and more to be established) with production. Government and development partners to implement projects in water and sanitation sector and, at the same time, attracting private investors to meet EDPRS II targets. Access to clean water in rural areas has been accentuated through Rural Water Supply Services and is attracting private investors. Where gaps are identified, the Government of Rwanda is summoned into the equation to deliver the services in an efficient manner with transparent tariffs where rural population may not afford high water cost.

Policies and other water and sanitation guiding documents have been developed to enable smooth implementation of wash activities.

Water and Sanitation Corporation ltd (WASAC), in the process of improving services has worked towards reduction of non-revenue water i.e. Water loss through technical and commercial systems laxity.

A customer-centric environment; promptly addressing water shortage problems and getting optimum skilled breed of employees that can effectively do the job has been developed. After the identification of skills’ gaps, WASAC has polished staff capacities in technical, commercial and financial management.

A governance structure that propels efficiency, easy to implement and deliver services has also been given due consideration.

A Company Business Plan has been developed with its implementation began with quick-win projects that are increasing water production and save WASAC from the incessant complaints raised by consumers because of water shortage.

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been given a high-table position to support production and distribution of water.

In December 2015, Culligan International signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Rwanda to develop a mega clean water project to produce more 40000m3/day in two phases (1st phase: 25000m3/day, 2nd phase 15000m3/day), to the current production of 65,000m3/day. Nzove II water treatment plant was launched in March 2016 with a production of 25, 000 m3/day. The plant was constructed by Culligan which has now switched to the second phase of the project expected to be complete at the end of 2016.

These are a reflection of Government’s commitment to improve people’s livelihoods through efficient services delivery. As urban populations grow, simultaneous growth in the provision of utilities, especially water, will always be ensured.

Besides working under PPPs, civil society organizations and development partners have continued to especially support access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas. As Government, we shall continue working of the principles of “some for all” rather than “all for some”, until the Vision 2020 goal of access to safe drinking water for all is reached, minding affordability, supporting decentralization, community participation, cost recovery and financial sustainability, private sector participation which is the key strategy to enhance the sustainability of rural water infrastructure, and emphasize on sanitation and hygiene. Water interests of women and children have also been put under consideration.