Launch of Year 2 of the Water and Sanitation Project in Kirehe and Bugesera Districts, Eastern Province
2026/5/4
On April 23, 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda and WaterAid Japan signed a USD 659,747 grant contract titled "Project for Improvement of Water and Sanitation Conditions in Kirehe and Bugesera Districts, Eastern Province," under Japan's Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects framework.
This second-year funding targets water and sanitation improvements in Bugesera District.
Aligned with Japan's Country Assistance Policy for Rwanda, this project prioritizes the 'Improvement of Social Services' through sustainable water and sanitation. By advancing the principle of 'Human Security,' the initiative aims to transform health and hygiene within local communities. Launched in March 2025 as a three-year commitment, the project is now entering its second phase, with the newly signed contract funding operations from May 2026 through April 2027.
"Based on the philosophy of Human Security, Japan is implementing this project in partnership with WaterAid — an organization with expertise in the water sector — to support those whose lives are at risk due to lack of access to safe water, as well as those who are unable to engage in meaningful daily activities because of the time spent collecting water," says Ambassador NAKAJO. "Through this project, we aim to improve access to safe water and enhance hygiene awareness among local communities."
During Year 1 of the project (March 2025 – April 2026), water supply facilities were constructed in Nasho Sector, Kirehe District, bringing safe water to more than 15,000 residents. In addition, latrines were built at schools and health facilities in both Kirehe and Bugesera Districts, and a hygiene promotion campaign was conducted targeting residents in Kirehe District.
In Year 2 of the project, efforts will focus on Rweru Sector in Bugesera District, with activities including the expansion of existing water supply systems, the development of gravity-fed water supply systems, and the construction and rehabilitation of water reservoirs and water points. It is expected that 18,953 residents will gain access to safe drinking water as a result. In addition, to raise hygiene awareness in local communities, the project will establish community hygiene clubs, conduct hygiene promotion campaigns, and promote behavior change among residents, including the practice of handwashing and improved latrine use.
"We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to implement this project through Japan's Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects," says Ms. Takahashi, Executive Director of WaterAid Japan. "Through our partnership, access to water will create ripple effects across health, education, and livelihoods — transforming the future of these communities. We look forward to taking this meaningful step together with the people of Rwanda, harnessing the power of water to change the world."
The Government of Japan, WaterAid Japan, and its partner WaterAid Rwanda will work in close collaboration with relevant Rwandan government agencies, local partners, and community members, as well as other key local stakeholders, to steadily implement the project and work toward building a sustainable water and sanitation environment.
This second-year funding targets water and sanitation improvements in Bugesera District.
Aligned with Japan's Country Assistance Policy for Rwanda, this project prioritizes the 'Improvement of Social Services' through sustainable water and sanitation. By advancing the principle of 'Human Security,' the initiative aims to transform health and hygiene within local communities. Launched in March 2025 as a three-year commitment, the project is now entering its second phase, with the newly signed contract funding operations from May 2026 through April 2027.
"Based on the philosophy of Human Security, Japan is implementing this project in partnership with WaterAid — an organization with expertise in the water sector — to support those whose lives are at risk due to lack of access to safe water, as well as those who are unable to engage in meaningful daily activities because of the time spent collecting water," says Ambassador NAKAJO. "Through this project, we aim to improve access to safe water and enhance hygiene awareness among local communities."
During Year 1 of the project (March 2025 – April 2026), water supply facilities were constructed in Nasho Sector, Kirehe District, bringing safe water to more than 15,000 residents. In addition, latrines were built at schools and health facilities in both Kirehe and Bugesera Districts, and a hygiene promotion campaign was conducted targeting residents in Kirehe District.
In Year 2 of the project, efforts will focus on Rweru Sector in Bugesera District, with activities including the expansion of existing water supply systems, the development of gravity-fed water supply systems, and the construction and rehabilitation of water reservoirs and water points. It is expected that 18,953 residents will gain access to safe drinking water as a result. In addition, to raise hygiene awareness in local communities, the project will establish community hygiene clubs, conduct hygiene promotion campaigns, and promote behavior change among residents, including the practice of handwashing and improved latrine use.
"We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to implement this project through Japan's Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects," says Ms. Takahashi, Executive Director of WaterAid Japan. "Through our partnership, access to water will create ripple effects across health, education, and livelihoods — transforming the future of these communities. We look forward to taking this meaningful step together with the people of Rwanda, harnessing the power of water to change the world."
The Government of Japan, WaterAid Japan, and its partner WaterAid Rwanda will work in close collaboration with relevant Rwandan government agencies, local partners, and community members, as well as other key local stakeholders, to steadily implement the project and work toward building a sustainable water and sanitation environment.