Kigali facing water problems

The Rwandan water and power company Electrogaz warned this week of a severe water crisis facing the capital city, Kigali, as a result of persistent drought, Rwandan News Agency (RNA) reported. Leopold Mugabo, head of the water department in Electrogaz, said the water crisis could be attributed mostly to an increasing population and a decrease in water levels due to prolonged drought. “There is a need to find a long-lasting solution to the water problem in Kigali. There are strategies to increase the water supply water ... by pumping water from River Nyabarongo and Lake Muhazi,” the report quoted Electrogaz director Joseph Mugenga as saying. The national utility company had the capacity to provide a maximum 22,000 cubic metres of water in the rainy season to a city population approaching one million people; it was currently providing some 16,000 cubic metres per day, which has led to water rationing in the city, the report added. Meanwhile, the Sudanese-based Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has concluded a $4.6 million loan agreement with Rwanda to help finance the improvement of water supply to the city of Butare, the PanAfrican News Agency reported. The project involves the construction of two water reservoirs at Kidago and Niamasharu, of two water pipelines, and the rehabilitation of the water network in the city, the report added. NOTE TO SUBSCRIBERS: If you usually receive IRIN updates by fax please note that due to an upgrade in the UN telephone systems, you will not be able to receive your faxed copy on Friday (28 July). Normal service should be resumed by Monday evening (31 July). IRIN apologises for any inconvenience.