How Covid-19 disrupted water & sanitation services in Rwanda

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to water supply in the city of Kigali and other peri-urban areas in Rwanda. The disruptions caused by the global health crisis have highlighted the importance of reliable water and sanitation services in the country. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Gisele Umuhoza, the Deputy CEO of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (Wasac) in Rwanda, shared insights into the strategies and plans in place to improve water access despite the ongoing pandemic. One of the key challenges faced by Wasac during the pandemic has been managing the rationing of water supply. As Umuhoza explained, the corporation has strived to maintain stable rationing practices to ensure equitable distribution of water across different areas. By closely monitoring production levels and engaging with customers, Wasac has been able to navigate the balance between meeting high demand and ensuring consistent water supply. Umuhoza highlighted the significant demand-supply gap in Kigali, where the daily water demand exceeds the production capacity of the treatment plants. With an estimated demand of close to 143,000 cubic meters per day and a production capacity of 95,000 cubic meters, Wasac faces a gap of approximately 48,000 cubic meters that needs to be addressed. Rationing remains a key strategy to manage the shortfall and optimize water distribution. In response to the crucial role of water access in combating the spread of the virus through regular hand washing, Wasac has prioritized supplying water to high-traffic areas such as commercial centers and households. To reach remote areas without direct network access, the corporation has set up 26 additional sites with ambulance reservoirs to ensure communities have access to water supply. These efforts have been particularly impactful in areas where water scarcity was a pressing issue prior to the pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Wasac remains committed to its long-term goals of improving water access and sanitation across Rwanda. The corporation has embarked on ambitious construction projects to expand water reservoir capacity and enhance distribution networks. With the support of the government, Wasac has secured funding for various projects totaling $440 million, aimed at increasing water storage capacity and improving service delivery. One of the key objectives outlined by Umuhoza is to achieve 100% water access by 2024, a goal that underscores Wasac's dedication to addressing the current gaps in water supply and sanitation services. Construction work on multiple projects is already underway, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure in Kigali and six secondary cities in Rwanda. These initiatives are expected to significantly increase the number of reservoirs and improve water storage capabilities, enabling Wasac to meet the growing water demand and enhance service reliability. As Wasac continues to navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the corporation remains steadfast in its mission to ensure sustainable water and sanitation services for all Rwandans. By implementing innovative strategies and investing in infrastructure development, Wasac aims to overcome the current obstacles and build a more resilient water supply system for the future.