Friday, 21 July 2023

The Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure, Eng. Patricie UWASE, joined WaterAid Rwanda to launch a 5 –years Country Programme Strategy, 2023-2028, aiming at catalyzing change for a coordination action towards a healthy and dignified life, through sustainable and gender-responsive water, sanitation and hygiene for all Rwandans.

The Minister of state highly appreciated the WaterAid Rwanda for the efforts made to launch the strategy.

“I congratulate WaterAid Rwanda for coming up with this important strategy which will contribute to moving the Rwanda Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector to high levels in terms of sustainable WASH services for all” She mentioned.

“This new strategy resonates well with the Rwanda Vision 2050 and the strategic direction of the Government of Rwanda in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.”

UWASE highlighted that the launch is happening at the right time when the WASH sector is gearing efforts to achieve both national and global targets with commitment to achieve 100% access to WASH services by 2024, as per the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1); while striving to attain the SDGS -Goal 6 by 2030.” She said.

“The Government of Rwanda recognizes the key role of water and sanitation in the protection of public health and socio-economic development and in partnership with its partners in the sector, is highly investing in the sector to ensure sustainable, equitable, reliable and affordable water and sanitation services to all Rwandans” Minister of State added.

The Minister of State, Eng. Patricie UWASE, poses a group Photo with various leaders and Partners involving in WASH Sector.

Taking into consideration the availability of Water and Sanitation master plans and Districts WASH investment plans, their implementation is currently a focus to the Sector while tackling sector pressing challenges such as climate change.

The Minister of State expressed the Government commitment to the development of the sector and urged all partners for continued partnership and collaboration to address the sector needs.

“The Government of Rwanda calls various partners to join efforts towards the sector milestones”

“There is no doubt that together, we will achieve the short and long term sector targets, including the SDG 6: “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. She reiterated.

Madam Vestine MUKESHIMANA, the Acting Country Director for WaterAid Rwanda, emphasized the organization’s commitment in ensuring universal WASH services, and its eagerness to accomplish the strategy objectives.

“This New Five-Year Strategy marks a pivotal step towards accelerating universal access to sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services, all in pursuit of SDG6.” She said.

WaterAid is a renowned International Non- Profit organization, with a mission to make clean water, decent toilets, and proper hygiene the norm for everyone, everywhere, within a generation.

Since its inception in 1981 in the UK, WaterAid has been working in Rwanda, as partner in WASH Sector, since 2010.