Rwanda, Netherlands Joint Water Management programme on the right move

The Water For Growth Programme Steering Committee (PSC) has acknowledged important milestones realized so far towards the accomplishment of the targets of the programme launched in May 2015 to improve management of Rwanda’s water resources.

A joint four year Rwanda-Netherlands initiative, Water for Growth Rwanda is led by the Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority through its Integrated Water Resources Management Department, with the support of the Dutch-funded IWRM Programme.

The programme progress results have been recognized on Wednesday 5^th April, 2017, in a Steering Committee meeting held to examine the 2016 results and determine the plans of the programme in 2017.

Speaking at the official opening of the meeting, also co-chaired by Jan Vlaar, the first Secretary of the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Fatina Mukarubibi said “We are happy of what we have done so far, as you have seen we have launched two Early Implementation Projects and there are some other activities that are going on as planned,”
The programme has finished the catchment plans for Muvumba, Nyabugogo, Sebeya and Upper Nyabarongo.

Rwanda's Minister of Natural Resources, Dr. Vincent Biruta during the Official Launch of Upper Nyabarongo Catchment Rehabilitation on 25th March, 2017 (Photo: Ange de la Victoire)

Also, two first Early Implementation Projects are being executed under the IWRM Investment Fund currently in Upper Nyabarongo and Sebeya

However, Mukarubibi noted “that doesn’t mean that we can rest, we have to push to make sure that the project really delivers its expected results on time.”

The Permanent Secretary also urged members of the programme steering committee (PSC) to do whatever it takes to make sure that the results of project contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“As members of the PSC, our mandate is not a simple mandate if you see…, even the branding name of the programme “Water for Growth” demonstrates its ambitious goal. This is very important role we must play to make sure that our water resources contribute to the growth of our country’s economy,” Mukarubibi said.

The steering committee is the core organ of the project which gives the guidance or redirection towards the achievement of the expected results.

Mukarubibi added that “It is also challenging because of the climate change issues that we are facing and which are especially effecting the Eastern Province in the form of drought and other areas of the country in the form of floods. These issues can be addressed if we take seriously our role and manage, as it is required, our water resources. So, it is not an easy work we have as a committee, as a programme, there are a lot of expectations, so we need to work towards what we have promised to achieve.”

Water For Growth Team leader, Ebel Smidt speaking at the PSC Meeting (Photo: Ange de la Victoire)

The Water For Growth Team leader, Ebel Smidt, focused on the fact that Rwanda is already a water scarce country and that every drop of water needs to be managed carefully. The meeting agreed that awareness campaigns are needed to advocate efficient and productive use of this precious natural resource.

Available statistics shows that over the calendar year of 2016, 75% of the budgeted expenditures of 4.5 million Euros have been spent while 80-90% of the tasks have been accomplished. On average, this percentage also holds for the first semester of Rwandan fiscal year 2016-2017.

(R-L): Director General of Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority, Prime Ngabonziza, The first Secretary in the Netherlands Embassy, Jan Vlaar and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Fatina Mukarubibi (Photo: Ange de la Victoire)

The meeting approved the first generation Catchment Plans for the demonstration catchments, the road to integrate these plans with the next 5-year plans (2018-2013) and the implementation projects. Mr. Jan Vlaar concluded the meeting saying: “Mrs. Chair and members we thank you for all the progress made, and we are looking forwards to continuing working together.”

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