Rwanda has signed a significant agreement with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), securing a $25 million (over 34.7 billion Rwandan Francs) to enhance water distribution in the country.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi on December 11, 2024, aims to expand the capacity of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant located in the Rwamagana District, marking a major step towards achieving Rwanda’s goal of providing clean and sustainable water to its citizens.
The deal was formalized by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), John Mirenge, and the Director-General of ADFD, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi.
During the signing ceremony, Al Suwaidi highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that the project reflects ADFD’s continued commitment to supporting infrastructure development aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting sustainable growth in partner countries.
“This agreement demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Rwanda and our dedication to contributing to the country’s development across key sectors,” Al Suwaidi said.
Ambassador Mirenge emphasized the significance of this project for Rwanda, noting that it will play a crucial role in expanding access to clean water across the nation.
“The expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant and its distribution networks is a transformative project that will enable us to provide clean water to all Rwandans and build sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of our people,” Mirenge said.
He further pointed out that the initiative will also create job opportunities and improve the water distribution systems to ensure that all regions of the country have reliable access to water.
This collaboration is aligned with Rwanda’s long-term vision of achieving universal access to clean water. According to the 2022 National Census, over 82% of Rwandans currently have access to clean water, with Kigali leading at 97%.
The project will significantly improve water availability, especially in regions such as the Eastern Province, where 81.1% of people have access, and the Rwamagana District, which boasts a 90.5% access rate.
The water treatment plant expansion is also part of broader efforts to ensure that Kigali has enough clean water to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population.
The new facility will be capable of processing 36,000 cubic meters of water per day, with the goal of expanding the distribution network to key areas of the capital. Kigali, which has over 488,000 households, as well as commercial and tourism sectors, requires approximately 145,000 cubic meters of water daily.
Through this partnership with ADFD, Rwanda is making significant strides toward providing clean, sustainable water to its citizens, supporting both economic development and public health in the country.
