LOCAL COMMUNITIES COMMEND SECURITY FORCES FOR PROVIDING CLEAN WATER

Kigali, 16 May 2025

Byenene Primary School in Kamonyi District and Mugogwe Primary School in Huye District have expressed their appreciation for the development of a water supply plant for their students under the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025.

Launched on 17 March 2025, the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025 is a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing various socio-economic challenges.

Niyomuhoza Alphonsine, Director of Byenene Primary School, located in Nyamiyaga Sector, Bibungo Cell of Kamonyi District, said:

“We are sincerely grateful to the Rwandan Security Forces for providing us with clean water, which we desperately needed. Our school is situated on top of a hill. During the rainy season, we relied on rainwater collected in tanks. However, once that water ran out, students were forced to fetch water from the marshland. As you can imagine, this took away valuable learning time. We even had to ask students to bring water from home so we could prepare their meals. The lack of clean water posed serious risks to the students’ health and education, and we truly appreciate the support provided,” said Niyomuhoza.

As the Government of Rwanda emphasises, ‘Umuturage Ku Isonga’ (Citizen First), we feel honoured and prioritised through this initiative.”

Samuel Byiringiro, Deputy Director of Mugogwe Primary School, in Rusatira Sector, Huye District, also thanked the local government and security forces.

“We have long struggled with the lack of clean water. Our school has 1,170 students, yet there are no nearby water sources, and maintaining hygiene was extremely challenging. We are thankful for this initiative to supply clean water. It will greatly ease the preparation of meals and help us maintain a healthy school environment. In the past, we had to buy water, paying 200 Rwandan Francs per jerrycan. This cost diverted funds that were intended for student meals. The financial burden was significant and compromised our ability to serve proper meals. With this support, we believe that waterborne diseases will also be significantly reduced. We are very grateful and hope that such cooperation will continue,” said Byiringiro.