Water For People in Rwanda

Day 3 of our climate-resilient #WASH workshop focused on climate finance and advocacy, diving into: ✅ Understanding climate finance definitions, sources, and funding mechanisms ✅ Discussions on how climate funds can be leveraged in the WASH sector ✅ Strengthening capacity to analyze, design, and advocate for climate finance proposals   On Day 4, we visited the Green Gicumbi Project for a firsthand look at climate resilience in action. We explored various areas showcasing innovative climate adaptation efforts, including: ✅ Watershed protection & climate-resilient agriculture at Mulindi  riverbanks ✅ Sustainable forest management through afforestation for climate resilience ✅ Sustainable water supply solutions at Kabeza Bungwe pumping stations  Climate-resilient settlements in Rubaya ✅ A powerful experience showcasing practical, community-driven solutions for climate-resilient WASH systems!

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) financing is critical to Rwanda's sustainable development and public health. The country strives toward achieving its Vision 2050 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation for all as well as achieving the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2)'s objective to achieve universal and sustainable access to safe drinking water and #sanitation for all Rwandans.  To achieve this, adequate financing is needed to bridge gaps in infrastructure, expanding access to services, and enhancing the resilience of WASH systems. Considering the current Rwanda #WASH sector allocation, there is a need to promote innovative financing mechanisms using private sector commercial financing to improve WASH services in Rwanda. Considering this, Water for People in collaboration with Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure(MININFRA) and UNICEF have been working on innovative strategies to expand access to commercial financing to improve WASH services in Rwanda including advocating for establishment of financial instruments to enable individuals and private businesses to access loans for the scale-up of WASH services. Today, Water for People, MININFRA and UNICEF kicked off a two-day capacity building workshop to ten commercial banks to equip them with adequate understanding of the financial landscape in the sector. They are being taken through opportunities in WASH financing, development and marketing of WASH financial products, WASH product development and digitization and strategies to scale up WASH financing. This training came after commercial banks expressed interest in launching WASH financial instruments but faced challenges due to limited sector-specific financial literacy. The same exercise will continue this coming week with private WASH operators mainly on multi-year business planning, budgeting, financial record-keeping, and administrative accounting. By strengthening financial capacity at both supply and demand levels, this initiative aims to unlock sustainable WASH investments, drive sector growth, and improve service delivery for all Rwandans. #WASHFinancing #SustainableDevelopment #CleanWaterForAll #FinanceForImpact

On the second day of our Climate-Resilient #WASH workshop, we explored #Climate Risk Assessment to refine our approach at the district level. The discussions focused on climate-related risks, hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, along with an analysis of climate risk assessment tools and strategies for designing Climate-Resilient WASH services. We also had the opportunity to learn from the Rwanda Green Fund journey as their representative shared insights into the country’s approach to addressing environmental challenges such as irregular rainfall, droughts, floods, landslides, and rising temperatures. Rwanda’s long-term vision aims to become a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy by 2050, with a commitment to reducing emissions by 38% by 2030 while promoting sustainable development through climate resilience and green economic innovation. The discussion highlighted opportunities for fostering transformative impact and sustainable development through strategic investments. The Rwanda Green Fund plays a crucial role in driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and leading climate resilience efforts through green finance, guided by two key pillars: ✅ Enhanced resource mobilization – Diversifying financial instruments, including grants, carbon markets, and recoverable grants alongside investment vehicles. ✅ Sustainability and value proposition – Strengthening the carbon market desk services and providing coordinated technical assistance.

We’re honored to host in Rwanda colleagues from across Water For People and IRCWASH for a week-long climate resilient #WASH workshop. The overall goal of the regional workshop is to enhance the knowledge and skills of colleagues working in the African region with Climate resilience WASH, with a focus on foundational elements of systems leadership equity and inclusion. This will enhance understanding of the connections between climate change, WASH, and climate resilience while exploring how to integrate climate-resilient WASH into established system-strengthening approaches. It will also foster a shared understanding of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and freshwater ecosystem initiatives, highlight the importance of mainstreaming equity and inclusion in all aspects of climate-resilient WASH programming, and facilitate knowledge sharing on Systems Leadership. Discussions from Day 1: ✅ Climate Resilient WASH ✅ Measures for Mainstreaming Climate Resilience ✅ Gender and Social Inclusion ✅ Participatory Advocacy with Local Organizations We aim to mainstream climate resilience across all programs by 2026, ensuring sustainable and equitable WASH services. By 2027, risk-based adaptations will have been fully implemented, with clear pathways to unlocking climate finance.

Honoured to have received yesterday, Mrs. Njeri Kirumbi, Regional Director of WaterEquity for Africa, for a potential #partnership in expanding water and sanitation financing opportunities in Rwanda! WaterEquity is a US-based asset manager that mobilizes private investment for the #WASH sector-supporting financial institutions to scale #water and sanitation lending, as well as investing in enterprises and infrastructure that bring safe water and sanitation to low-income communities. Our discussions highlighted Water For People’s efforts in unlocking commercial #finance for WASH in Rwanda. This includes collaborating with partners and banks for businesspeople in WASH to access financing from financial institutions and establishing WASH loan products accessible by household. Increasing finance for WASH is key to driving sustainable solutions and expanding access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services for everyone! #WASHFinancing #SustainableDevelopment

As part of the 22nd #AFWASA Conference, Water For People Uganda and Water For People in Rwanda facilitated an exchange visit for a delegation from the Water and Sanitation Corporation Ltd. (WASAC Group), led by CEO Professor Omar Munyaneza, to Uganda’s National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). During a meeting with the National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Managing Director SILVER MUGISHA, both teams shared valuable insights on effective utility leadership, high-performance strategies, and best water and sanitation service delivery practices. It was exciting to witness a new partnership take shape! The WASAC delegation also toured various NWSC plants in Kampala, gaining key learnings as they prepare to construct a similar treatment plant in Kigali. In addition, under the existing MOU between Water For People Uganda and NWSC, a Results-Based Financing mechanism will soon be implemented in Kamwenge Service Area to enhance service delivery - an initiative welcomed by the NWSC MD. Kudos to Water For People Uganda and Rwanda for facilitating this impactful learning exchange! #SustainableWaterServices #AFWASA Water For People UWASNET National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Brenda Achiro PMP Olivier TUYISHIMIRE, MSc, PMP Cate Zziwa Nimanya - PMP®

Our Regional Director, Cate Zziwa Nimanya - PMP®, and Prof. Omar Munyaneza, CEO of WASAC Group, were at a high-level panel today at the ongoing African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) congress in Kampala, Uganda, to discuss how policymakers can adopt innovative approaches and embrace innovation in water and sanitation. Also, on Wednesday, we’re hosting a side event titled "DESIGN, BUILD, AND SUSTAIN" to explore how we can ensure the sustainable management of rural piped water supply systems. When: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Where: Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda (SRCC) - Sheena Hall 14 This session will examine emerging service delivery models, strengthen #WASH service authorities and providers, and propose policy changes for equitable and inclusive access. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with sector experts and drive change for sustainable #WASH systems!

Join us at the 22nd AfWASA International Congress & Exhibition! We’re hosting a side event titled "DESIGN, BUILD, AND SUSTAIN" to explore how we can ensure the sustainable management of rural piped water supply systems. 📅 #Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 ⏰ #Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 📍#Venue: Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda (SRCC) - Sheena Hall 14 This session will dive into emerging service delivery models, strengthening WASH service authorities and providers, and policy changes for equitable and inclusive access. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with sector experts and drive change for sustainable WASH systems! Organized by: Water For People | Water for Good | IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre #AfWASA2025 #WASH #WaterForAll #SustainableDevelopment #WaterManagement #RuralWaterSystems

Call for Consultants: Unpacking Rwanda’s Sustainable WASH Financing Gap Are you passionate about transforming the #WASH sector in #Rwanda and contributing to achieving #SDG 6 by 2030? In partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and other key stakeholders, we are seeking a skilled consultant to: 🔹 Analyze Rwanda's Sustainable WASH Financing Gap and revenue sources. 🔹 Develop evidence-based strategies to mobilize additional funds. 🔹 Propose innovative financing solutions, including climate finance and private sector investments. 🔹 Review policies and practices to maximize the value of WASH investments. This is your opportunity to shape the future of WASH financing in Rwanda and drive sustainable impact. 📝 Apply now: https://shorturl.at/Kafza  

Exciting news for the start of the Year! We are delighted to announce that our USAID-funded Isoko y’Ubuzima, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is stepping up efforts to establish #sustainable #WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions to help protect communities against future viral #disease outbreaks like Marburg Viral Disease and COVID-19. This is thanks to an additional $1 million in funding from USAID, to be utilized over the next six months in nine districts (Ngororero, Nyanza, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Gatsibo, and Kamonyi. Through this funding, the project will: ✅ Provide reliable water supply connections to selected health facilities. ✅ Enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) through intra-facility water connections. ✅ Build permanent handwashing facilities to promote hygiene. ✅ Upgrade sanitation infrastructure in critical locations. ✅ Promote social and behavioral change for lasting impact. Together, we aim to strengthen community #resilience, improve public health outcomes, and ensure access to clean #water, #sanitation, and hygiene for all. Here’s to a year of impactful #collaboration and meaningful change! #HealthForAll #SustainableDevelopment WASAC Group Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure(MININFRA) Rwanda Biomedical Centre