Rwanda is accelerating efforts to improve water access in the City of Kigali through three major water infrastructure projects that are expected to significantly increase daily water production while reducing system losses, the Minister of Infrastructure, Damien Murwanashyaka, has announced.
Speaking on the government’s ongoing investments in the water sector, the minister said the expansion of the Nzove III Water Treatment Plant is progressing well and is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Once upgraded, the facility will add 25,000 cubic metres of water per day to Kigali’s supply network.
Additional projects include the Kanzenze Water Treatment Plant, which will increase production by 10,000 cubic metres per day, and the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, scheduled for completion in March 2027, with a capacity to supply an additional 36,000 cubic metres of water daily.
Beyond expanding production capacity, the government is also focusing on reducing non-revenue water treated water that is lost through leaks, theft, or other inefficiencies before reaching consumers.
The current loss rate of 31% is targeted to decline to 15%.
“These efforts will enable us to recover an additional 8,400 cubic metres of water per day by the end of this year, and 14,000 cubic metres per day by the end of 2027,” said Infrastructure Minister Damien Murwanashyaka.
The combined impact of the three projects and the reduction in water losses is expected to improve the reliability of water services for households, businesses, industries, and public institutions across Kigali, supporting the city’s rapid urban growth and increasing demand for clean water.
What It Means for the Energy Sector
The expanded water supply is also expected to benefit Rwanda’s energy sector in several ways.
Reliable access to water is essential for the construction and operation of energy infrastructure, including power plants and industrial facilities.
Improved water availability will support industries that consume significant amounts of water and electricity, enabling more efficient production and boosting overall energy demand.
In addition, reducing water losses means less energy is wasted on pumping and treating water that never reaches consumers.
This improves the efficiency of water utilities, lowers operational costs, and contributes to Rwanda’s broader goals of enhancing resource efficiency and building resilient infrastructure.
The investments form part of Rwanda’s wider strategy to strengthen essential infrastructure, improve public services, and support sustainable economic development as Kigali continues to expand.
