Reliable access to safe, potable water supply is important for sanitation, hygiene and health community. As the majority of the households in Gatsibo District – Rwanda cannot afford household water connections, the public water system (kiosks and public taps) was the only water available for them.
In early 2022, during community gatherings, participants raised a concern about inadequate water supply. During interface meeting, it was understood that the cause was destruction of a large storage water tank built in Rugarama Sector supplying 4 sectors of Rugarama, Rwimbogo, Gitoki and Kabarole destroyed by “Imparata – illegal miners” who broke the fence, destroyed the tank cover and created water tap to enable them fetch water that could be used to clean the mine products.
Citizen voice and action group working with local leaders visited the site on which the tank is built, listed water taps that were destroyed, damaged and specific communities that have been affected. They used the report to engage with District leadership and WASAC requesting them to repair the tank and restore water supply. They also used the opportunity to ask the District leadership to recognize water as the top prioroity is saving lives and preventing diseases. “In the absence of clean potable water, there is danger that communities will resort to drinking unclean water contaminated by garbage” – CVA group emphasized.
As an immediate response, the District authorities and WASAC visited the site, released an announcement warning the illegal miners and thieves stealing and destroying water equipment’s of legal offences.
As long term response, the District authorities working closely with WASAC repaired the destroyed water tank including its supporting structures like the fence and added chlorine to drinking water to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
After one year of lack of water, today the community has enough water supply. Thanks to world vision and Rwanda for the Citizen Voice and Action project that is solving citizen problems through dialogue. CVA has fostered strong relationships with local communities, NGO’s and the government