The Government of Rwanda is calling for increased private investment in the country’s water sector at a time when Rwanda targets in its Water Master Plan to mobilise resources to develop infrastructure for water access for agricultural & domestic use.
The call was made as Rwanda joined the international community to celebrate World Water Day which is celebrated annually on 22 March.
“There are enormous investment opportunities in the water sector. It is an area where the private sector can invest and both business and the community benefit. Rwanda is under-utilising its water resources and the private sector has an important role in creating jobs and contributing to our green growth ambitions,” said Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Natural Resources.
Dr. Biruta, said that Rwanda is facing declining water availability, but the major challenge Rwanda has is how to manage and use our water.
Rwanda has water availability per capita of 670 m3/annum, which is below the standard threshold of 1,000 m3/annum.
“Rwanda is working with the Netherlands & USA to better understand the health of the Nyabarongo catchment & the best conservation solutions, and improve water management facilities” he said.
As part of the celebrations Rwanda held an exhibition and conference at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science & Technology.
The conference brought together academics, policy makers and practitioners to discuss water monitoring and management and how to boost investment in the water sector and encourage job creation.
Rwanda also launched the World Water Week which will see the launch of Integrated Water Resource Management Program and Inauguration of Water Treatment Plant in Muhanga district, Inauguration of Water Supply System & Nile Day and communities will join hands to plant trees to protect rivers and catchment areas.
The theme of this year’s World Water Day is “Water and Jobs”, highlighting the role of freshwater in improving people’s lives and the economic development of communities and nations. It aims to raise awareness about how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers’ lives and livelihoods – and even transform societies and economies
