Kigali, 13 November, 2019: The Government of Rwanda is committed to implement innovative approaches to reduce Non -Revenue Water, develop water supply infrastructure and better manage our existing systems to meet increasing water demands. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Eng. Patricie Uwase has confirmed the target is to reach 100 percent  universal access to improved water and sanitation  services by 2024.

She was speaking at the opening of the 1^st edition of the Regional Executive forum on Urban Water Services hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, by the Government of Rwanda through Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Permanent Secreatary Uwase noted that this forum is happening at the right time when Africa is jointly gearing its efforts to frame a new approach for its socio-economic transformation through optimizing resources for the benefits of its people, “Africa Agenda 2063”.

The quality, effeciency and effectiveness of essential public service delivery, including improved urban water supply networks are important focus areas for Rwanda. Participants were argued to prioritise stakeholders engagement during their discussions at the forum. As a quick-win, this will address a problem of increasing non-revenue water across  Sub Saharan Africa region and the continent at large.

The Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, Ms. Yuko Hotta said that, improved water-supply system brings a virtuous circle: 1) to enhance your revenue and secure the budget to invest them into your facilities, 2) to realize good quality of water and services for much better life of your family in your countries and 3) to change a mind-set of the people using water to pay the fees.

She said “the rate of non-revenue water in Tokyo is only 3 %, one of the lowest/best rate in the world. Compared to 20%” in other developed countries. That’s why Japan is able to and would like to provide you with the best/most useful knowledge best pratices.

The Regional Executive forum on Urban Water Services organised under “The Enhancement of Sustainability of Urban Water Services in Sub-Saharan Region of Africa” is aiming to establish a regional network of water supply utilities to share knowledge and experience.The gathering brings together water sector professionals from industry, academia, government, and non-governmental organizations to share ideas and resources, and propose innovative solutions. The heads of water utilities from eight countries namely, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sudan, Zambia, South Africa and Rwanda (host), are meeting to network and share knowledge and experiences.