WASAC says Kigali water projects to close 65,000-cubic-meter daily gap

The city currently requires about 210,000 cubic meters of water per day but produces about 145,000 cubic meters, according to WASAC, leaving a deficit that has contributed to intermittent water supply in several neighborhoods.

Residents in areas including Kanombe, Busanza and Karembure have reported increased water shortages in recent weeks, even before the peak of the dry season.

In some locations, limited supply has driven up prices at public water points, where vendors have reportedly raised the cost of a jerrycan from about 20 Rwandan francs to as much as 300 francs, depending on demand.

WASAC Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Asaph Kabaasha said that the shortage is driven by the gap between production and demand across the city.

He said short-term interventions include the expansion of the Nzove water treatment plant, which is expected to add 20,000 cubic meters per day by September. He said a contractor has already been signed for the project.

Kabaasha also pointed to a longer-term project expected to add 400,000 cubic meters per day by 2035. The project will draw water from the Nyabarongo II hydropower system, where water will be used for electricity generation and urban supply.

He said the Karenge water treatment plant is also being expanded from 12,000 cubic meters per day to 48,000 cubic meters, with 36,000 cubic meters expected to be supplied to Kigali.

Kabaasha urged residents to conserve water, protect infrastructure and report illegal connections, saying the ongoing investments are aimed at improving reliable access to clean water across the city.