By George Kalisa
Japanese Envoy, Isao Fukushima commended the implementation of one of the flagship projects codenamed Project for Strengthening Nzove-Ntora Principal Water Transmission Pipeline in Kigali City, which will improve the welfare of close to 440,000 residents.
H.E Fukushima reiterated his government’s commitment to continue contributing to the sector until Rwanda realizes her target.
“I’m grateful to witness that the projects have been well implemented, and the Government of Japan will make further contribution to the target of the government of Rwanda in the water and sanitation sector,” remarked H.E Mr. Isao Fukushima, the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda during his visit to water supply projects June6, 2023.
He said that water is one of the four Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) priority areas in Rwanda.
The objective of the 23.6-million-project is to increase the water volume to stabilize the water supply in the City of Kigali by improving the water supply facilities – the Nzove-Ntora transmission pipeline, pump equipment at the Nzove Water Treatment Plant and installation of the new elevated tank.
The project that ends August2023 started in February 2019.
“With the aim of improved access to both safe water and quality of water supply services that is closely related to people’s lives in every aspect, Japan has put its priority on the sector, observed the Envoy.
Under the Japan-Rwanda cooperation, the government of government gives support in Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure and education sectors in terms of technical assistance and grant aid.
He paid tribute to stakeholders including Tobishima Corporation (the Constructor), Kokusai Kogyo Ltd (Consultant) and the implementer – the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC).
“We ensure sustainability of the project through capacity building and I’m confident the WASAC engineers have received empowered to ensure its continuity after the end of the project in August this year,” said JICA Chief Representative, Minako Shiotsuka.
Shiotsuka said the KAIZEN approach (April 2022-March2027) implemented by Rwanda’s ministry of Infrastructure, WASAC and JAICA centred on technical assistance.
The overall goal of these projects is to provide the sustainable water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the City of Kigali.
Meanwhile, Gesele Umuhumuza, the Acting CEO at WASAC announced the water shortage in a few sectors of the City of Kigali effective June8th, that will run for two weeks to allow engineers fix the pumps. She said after that period the volume of water will increase.
Commenting on the project Umuhumuza said: “The areas that will benefit from the project include Runda and Rugatika, mainly impact will be felt in Kigali.”
Other Rwanda government officials that flanked the Envoy at the visit were Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru, Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure who extended gratitude to the Japanese people for their generocity and commitment to uplift the welfare of the dwellers of the City of Kigali.
“We are thankful to the people of Japan for the grant aid at the tune US23,6 million towards water and sanitation improvement,” said Mpabwanamaguru.