The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), in partnership with the City of Kigali, is implementing a major project to build a wastewater treatment plant for the city. The facility is expected to collect and treat used water, converting it into reusable clean water. The project is estimated to cost over RWF 100 billion.
During a parliamentary session, MP Bitunguramye Diogene asked whether the project previously announced to be constructed in Nyarugenge District, in an area known as Giti cy’Inyoni was still ongoing or had stalled.
“There was previously discussion about wastewater management in the City of Kigali, and the agreement was approved by Parliament. The plant was supposed to be built in Kigali Sector, in Giti cy’Inyoni. To this day, I still see iron sheet fencing around the site. I would like to know is this project still underway. Will wastewater in Kigali be treated? It seems delayed. How far has it progressed.” He stated.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, responded that the project began in 2023, with the goal of establishing a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system for Kigali. He acknowledged delays, citing performance issues with the contracted company.
“We have been working on the technical design including pipeline routes, dimensions, and specifications. We expect to complete this phase within the next two months. After that, we will assess whether we can continue working with the current contractor or if alternative measures must be taken.” He said.
“We will communicate the next steps later. It would be unfortunate if we cannot proceed with the current contractor, but if it exceeds our capacity, we will seek another solution, even though it may lead to further delays.” He added.
This plant is one of three wastewater facilities planned for construction across the City of Kigali under the Kigali Centralized Sewerage System project. It is designed to treat 12,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day, and its initial infrastructure will have the capacity to collect wastewater from more than 208,000 households.
In other parts of the country, wastewater treatment facilities have already been completed in Nyanza, Kayonza, and Nyagatare districts. Construction is currently underway in Musanze, Karongi, Rusizi, and Rubavu, while feasibility studies are being finalized in Muhanga, Huye, Bugesera, and Rwamagana districts.
