Rwanda, German sign 5-year water supply deal

Rwanda's Water Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Tuesday signed a five-year partnership deal with German water supplier, Hamburg Wasser under which the latter committed to facilitate quality and efficient water supply in Rwanda through capacity building.
James Sano, WASAC Director General, explained that the partnership is in the framework for working together to produce quality water and services.
"The partnership will improve our capacity, water supply efficiency, reduce the loss we might have been facing as well as optimizing the resources," he said.
Under the deal, Sano said German engineers and experts will also intervene in production process, and chemicals efficiency optimizing.
Our staff will gain more knowledge as they will be acquiring new technologies we need to improve our outreach services, he added.
The agreement also provides for hands-on training, development of new projects while optimizing of existing plants.
Christoph Czekalla, the water production division director Hamburg Wasser, said the partnership underlines excellent cooperation that will facilitate connection of WASAC to new projects and donors.
The agreement is part of ongoing efforts to improve water supply and quality in Rwanda, according to Rwanda government officials.
Currently 75.2 percent of Rwanda's population have access to clean water.
Meanwhile, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rwanda's Ministry of Natural Resources Tuesday inaugurated the Migera Water system in Kayonza district, eastern Rwanda.
The facility which was constructed over the last two years under USAID's Rwanda Integrated Water Security Program (RIWSP) will supply water to more than 30,000 residents in Mwiri and Rwinkwavu sectors, Rwinkwavu hospital, two health centers, seven public schools, markets and commercial centers.
USAID Mission Director Peter Malnak and Rwanda's Minister of Natural Resources, Dr. Vincent Biruta commissioned the water facility.
Malnak said the water system would contribute to improvement across sectors, including health and agriculture.
"This is an exciting day for us. The Migera system is now providing water to thousands of families with daily access to water that is reliable, safe and sustainable," he said.
"We are especially pleased of the system's connection to Rwinkwavu Hospital and the two health centers. Water will be available to those facilities to ensure people are receiving care that includes attention to hygiene and sanitation."