Participation in the Inauguration Ceremony of “The Project for Improvement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Environment in Bugesera District, Eastern Province” (implemented by WaterAid Japan) under Japanese NGO Grant Aid for FY 2023

　On January 31, Counsellor Saito participated in the inauguration ceremony of the “The Project for Improvement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Environment in Bugesera District, Eastern Province” (implemented by WaterAid Japan), which was supported through the FY2023 Japan NGO Grant Aid. To the ceremony, the Mayor of Bugesera district, Country Director of WaterAid Rwanda, local medias and others are also attended.

　The project targeted Nyarugenge Sector in Bugesera District and its golas are to improve residents' access to safe water,  to provide sanitation facilities in schools and health posts, to improve the health status of residents by increasing their knowledge and awareness of sanitation.
 
　Thanks to the WaterAid’s efforts, approximately 28 km of water pipelines were laid, and 2 water storage tanks and 27 new water supply stations were constructed. In addition, 8 latrines and hand washing facilities were installed in 3 schools and 2 public health post in the community.

　Furthermore, the project set up hygiene clubs in the targeted schools, and the club drew posters and displayed them in the schools to raise awareness of sanitation. WaterAid also set up hygiene clubs in the community and conducted awareness-raising activities, and trainings provided by hygiene experts.
 
　At the ceremony, Counsellor Saito remarked, “Access to safe water and living in a hygienic environment are the rights must be protected. Through this project, I hope that children will be able to spend their time at school and learn a lot, instead of fetching water. Japan provides grassroots-level support through NGOs to create a society in which all Rwandans can live with good health.