The construction of Kigali’s waste treatment plant in the city is taking shape as city officials make plans to ensure its commencement. The project is being done in partnership with the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group). Once completed, the plant is expected to collect and treat wastewater, converting it into clean water that can be reused. This plant is one of three expected to be built in the different districts of Kigali. The first one is being constructed in Nyarugenge District at Giti cy’Inyoni as part of the Kigali Centralized Sewerage System project. Its implementation is expected to cost $63 million and will be completed within two years. Furthermore, it consists of 92 kilometers of underground pipelines across the Kigal districts of Nyarugenge, Gitega, and Muhima.
WASAC Group CEO, Prof. Omar Munyaneza explained the aim is to stop the excavation of pits. This will be achieved by using the pipes to direct the wastewater to treatment plants. “Instead of continuing to dig pits, we will transport the water and treat it before returning it to rivers or wetlands,” he said. Moreover, he noted that the treatment plant in Giti cy’Inyoni will commence construction next month. He noted this is led by a thorough study carried out to ensure the project’s success. “This is a long-awaited project for many Rwandans. We took the time to carefully study it to ensure its quality and proper implementation because this is the largest project related to sanitation that the country is about to start.”
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Project Factsheet
Project Factsheet
Location: Kigali
Country: Rwanda
Significance: Manage wastewater in the city
Project duration: 2 Years
Cost of Phase: U.S. $63 Million
The Scope of Implementation of Kigali’s Waste Treatment Plant
Once completed, Kigali’s waste treatment plant will have the capacity to treat 12,000 cubic meters of water daily. Initial scope aims that the plant will be able to handle wastewater from over 208,000 households. Experts have highlighted that wastewater pits can cause problems such as weakening the ground. Furthermore, it could make buildings prone to collapse especially in hilly areas. Prof. Munyaneza also noted that apart from the city waste treatment project, two more will follow. These include treatment plants in Kicukiro and Murindi to carter wastewater treatment in these areas.
WASAC Group also announced that a treatment plant will be established in Gasabo, with its location in the Karuruma wetlands. “While these two last projects are not yet underway, their studies have been completed, and we are still looking for the necessary funding to start them,” he said. Moreovr, he noted that the Gasabo plant will be built in Karuruma Wetland to ensure all of Kigali’s wastewater is properly managed. The CEO also provided clarity on delays as he noted that the Gity cy’Inyoni plant was delayed because of various changes. One of these is the change in the Kigali Master Plan, which transitioned from the 2013 version to the 2030 version.
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