Rwamagana: Karenge water treatment plant to quadruple its capacity

The Karenge Water Treatment Plant currently supplies 12,000 cubic metres of water per day, but its capacity is being expanded to reach 48,000 cubic metres per day once the expansion is completed.

The development was announced during a presentation by the Rwamagana District Council on achievements made over the past five years, from 2021 to 2026.

The achievements highlighted included roads, industries, the Rwamagana market, electricity infrastructure and the expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to quadruple its water production capacity.

The event was held under the theme: “Partnership that puts citizens first.”

The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Mbonyumvuni Radjab, said that over the past five years, the district had made significant progress in development, economic growth, governance and social welfare.

He said the purpose of the presentation was to give leaders at all levels, from the village to the district level, as well as partners and residents, an opportunity to reflect on what had been achieved and identify areas where further progress was needed.

“The District Council of Rwamagana wanted to present the achievements to leaders from the village level up to the district level, as well as different partners and residents, so that they could look back and assess the many positive achievements. It is also an opportunity to look at what we were unable to achieve and put in place strategies to address those gaps.”

He added that the objective was not to criticise the outgoing leadership, but rather to document the progress made, the challenges encountered and the areas that remained unfinished so that those taking over could build on the work already done.

“It is not about leaving problems for those who will take over. Rather, it is about showing them the journey we have travelled, including what we were unable to achieve, so that they can build on our achievements and continue working together to develop the district we want to see progressing.”

Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab presents a certificate.

Karenge plant expansion expected to increase water supply

Mbonyumvuni also said that the Karenge Water Treatment Plant is being expanded to increase the amount of water available in the district.

He explained that the plant currently produces 12,000 cubic metres of water per day, but once the expansion is completed, its capacity will increase to 48,000 cubic metres per day, representing a fourfold increase.

“It will help increase the water supply.”

Umurungi Jeanette, who represents women in Fumbwe Sector, said she was pleased with the achievements made over the past five years, including paved roads, feeder roads developed with community participation and the construction of Rwamagana Market.

“We appreciate the outgoing term, but we also call on the next leadership to continue working closely with residents and to be briefed on where we have reached, as well as the challenges we encountered.”

She also said residents would like to see increased access to water and further development of infrastructure as the district’s population continues to grow.

Some challenges remain

Despite the achievements recorded by the district, local leaders acknowledged that some planned activities had not yet been fully achieved.

The Chairperson of the Rwamagana District Council, Dr Rangira Lambert, said access to water in Rwamagana town remains one of the key challenges that has yet to be adequately addressed.

“Here in Rwamagana town, if we leave this place and turn on the taps, there are very few places where we would find water. We need water; this is something we have not yet achieved, and we are not happy about it. Another issue is the Rwamagana–Zaza road, as well as the fact that we do not have a district memorial.”

Dr. Rangira Lambert received a certificate.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to partners who contributed to the district’s performance and achievement of its development targets.

Over the past five years, Rwamagana District had 117 performance targets, most of which were achieved, although a few, including Mutuelle de Santé (community-based health insurance), did not reach the 100% target.