Inauguration ceremony of the Project for Rural Water Supply Phase2 and Launching ceremony of the Project for Improvement of Substation and Distribution Network (21st August)
(Left: Ambassador Ogawa (2nd left), Minister Isumbingabo (4th left), Governor of eastern province (7th left) in front of a public water faucet, Right: a water collecting tank)
（Left: Minister Lwakabamba (left), Governor of Eastern province (2nd left）, Minister Isumbingabo (2nd right), Ambassador Ogawa (right) at Musha substation, Right: construction site at Musha substation)
Ambassador’s speech for the inauguration ceremony of the Project for Rural Water Supply Phase 2
On 21st August, the inauguration ceremony of the Project for the Rural Water Supply Phase 2 and the launching ceremony of the Project for Improvement of Substation and Distribution Network took place in Eastern Province.
In the morning, the inauguration ceremony was held in Kirehe district, eastern province with the attendance of Hon. Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, Minister of State in charge of Energy and Water, Ms.Uwamariya Odette, Governor of eastern province and other officials. In her speech, Minister Isumbingabo thanked Japan for its support and called upon the residents of the targeted communities in Kirehe and Ngoma district to pay the water tariff so as to ensure the maintenance of facilities. Ambassador Ogawa thanked all people who were engaged in this project and mentioned that Japan has supported the improvement of the water supply in eastern province for a very long time, he also introduced Japanese volunteers whose nickname “W-SAT: The Water Security Action Team” cooperating with local communities for maintenances for water supply facilities, or public health sanitation . In addition, he said that he expected the facilities constructed to contribute greatly to the improvement of people’s lives at the communities.
This project will enable about 55,000 people in the targeted communities to get access to safe and clean water. Moreover, the improvement of water quality will help to reduce infant mortality rate and water born diseases. This project will also see the reduction of time spent on water drawing labor which will promote women and children’s participation in society and especially help children to ensure more hours are spent on their studies.
In the afternoon, the ceremony for the project for Improvement of Substation and Distribution Network was held at the Musha substation in Rwamagana district in eastern province. In addition to Minister Isumbingabo and the governor of eastern province, Hon. Silas Lwakabamba, Minister of Infrastructure also attended the ceremony. Minister Lwakabamba stated that the improvement of the substation will enable a health center, clinics, imidugudu, churches, and schools to get stable access to electricity and he also appreciated the support from Japan. Ambassador Ogawa also made a speech and he mentioned that the Government of Japan was committed to contribute to accelerate the development of key hard infrastructure, including energy, this was clearly stated at the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, and this project embodies the government of Japan’s commitment.
This project will be completed at the end of February in 2014. It plans to rehabilitate and reconstruct the old substations as well as to restore and expand distribution network in order to improve a stable electricity access and supply.