Safe Water Access in Rwanda
Safe Water Access in Rwanda
The Problem
This Project operates in the districts of Gatsibo and Kayonza in the Eastern province of Rwanda. Although water infrastructure has greatly improved in recent years 25% of the population still do not have access to clean water. Many households in these rural areas have no choice but to collect water from unsafe sources such as rivers or lakes. Families are consuming unsafe water leading to the spread of waterborne diseases, alternatively the water is boiled using firewood to make it safe. This causes deforestation, emits C02 and requires women and children to spend hours collecting firewood.
The Solution
This project repairs broken down bore holes. This type of project is often too expensive or too technical for local communities to mange themselves. Bore holes provide a safe and reliable source of water in more convenient locations.
Impact and Benefits
- Reliable supply of safe water
- Less time spent collecting and boiling water
- Reduced firewood use and carbon emissions
- Lowers cases of water-born disease
- Reduced deforestation improving local wildlife and ecosystems
- Removes the need for women and children to collect firewood
- Gives more time to spend on income generating activities
- Allows children more time to focus on education