Below are summary reports of different media houses that covered the 2018 Water Week.
I. MEDIA TOUR IN UPPER NYABARONGO Catchment
1. RWANDA INSPIRER
The RWANDA INSPIRER reported that the Government and partners are committed to protect Nyabarongo river Catchment through different interventions including Terraces, afforestation, among others.
2. FOCUS AFRICA:
FOCUS AFRICA reported that the Rwanda Water and Forests Authority and Water for Growth are working to Improve Management of Water in Nyabarongo catchment. The Website quoted Head of Water Resources Management Department Tetero Francois saying that “Plans are underway to turn Nyabarongo water to its original color, we are doing research to find out all the water bodies around the Country that flow into Nyabarongo and we also plan to plant trees and building terraces in all affected areas around the Country. The plan is set to be completed in the period of 2 month while targets to be a 6 years program.”
3. UMUSEKE:
UMUSEKE reported clearing sediments in Nyabarongo river is not the problem, what is very important is to put together efforts from different actors (stakeholders) to eradicate issues that cause negative impact to Nyabarongo river and its catchment. The Website reported about Water for Growth interventions in Upper Nyabarongo Catchment and the contribution to the protection of the river catchment which is a home to the economic activities including the Nyabarongo I hydropower plant.
4. IGIHE:
IGIHE reported that the Government has started activities aimed at cleaning Nyabarongo river. The Website wrote there are ongoing activities in the Upper Nyabarongo catchment which include Terracing, reforestation, agroforestry, planting bamboo across river bank with the objective of curbing the Soil erosion that flow into Nyabarongo river. It adds that Head of Water Resources Management Department in Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority has informed Journalists about the ongoing seven-year catchment planning which will lead to the purity of Nyabarongo river.
5. IGIHE Francais:
IGIHE FRENCH VERSION reported that Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority experts are working to halt sediments in the Nyabarongo River catchment, which extends to districts of Ngororero, Muhanga, Nyaruguru, Huye, Nyanza, Rutsiro, Karongi and Nyamagabe. The website explained that more than 3347 Km2 in Upper Nyabarongo will be rehabilitated through afforestation programs, erosion control activities, and that RWFA's concern is to eliminate all causes of soil erosion which led to yellowing of Nyabarongo river for a long time.
6. NONAHA NEWS WEBSITE
NONAHA NEWS WEBSITE reported that sustainable management of catchments will increase the water infiltration up to 70% in the terraced area. The Website quoted the Executive Secretary of Matyazo cell in Mushishiro sector saying that the Water for Growth Terracing project beneficiaries are optimistic that the harvests will increase due to terraces constructed in the cell.
7. IMVAHO NSHYA: (Online & Hard copy)
IMVAHO NSHYA reported that the 1000 hectares of terraces constructed in Muhanga and Ngororero districts through Water for Growth will have a positive impact on agricultural production. The Mayor of Muhanga told the newspaper that the district with its partners will continue to mobilize population terracing farming while adding that they will continue to find seed for farmers as well as the fertilizers to ensure that their harvests are good.
8. AFRICAN PEOPLE’S VOICE
The AFRICAN PEOPLE’S VOICE Wrote an article on the meaning of the “Catchment” translated into Kinyarwanda as “Icyogogo”. The aim of Journalist was to inform audience about the meaning of this Kinyarwanda word which still new among public including journalists themselves.
II. OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF WATER WEEK
1. The New Times
On 18th March 2018, The New Times published article entitled “World Water Day: A call for better management of water resources”. The article featured different views of WASAC officials. Officials said there is an increasing concern about the effects of activities in water catchments, and water storage dams. These effects have been observed at Rugeramigozi, Kadahokwa and Shyogwe dams which were dry in the previous dry season. The Deputy CEO of WASAC explains that they have started the assessment of projects at a catchment level with large waters dams that will be able to sustain water supply during prolonged dry seasons; making sure management and development of water resources are integrated in all their investments.
2. IGIHE French Version
IGIHE FRENCH VERSION wrote an article about the official launch of the Water Week by the Minister of Environment. The water week for this year 2018 was launched during Car free Sunday of March 18 by a series of activities that started with a walk for Water. Minister Vincent Biruta reminded the public gathered at Rwanda Revenue Authority and all Rwandans that every Rwandan should play a role in the protection of Environment and water as natural heritage.
3. NONAHA NEWS WEBSITE:
This website reported that the Minister of Environment Dr. Vincent Biruta has reminded that everyone has responsibility to protect water resources. The story is all about the call made by Biruta during the official launch of Water Week.
III. IWRM CONFERENCE
1. IGIHE
IGIHE wrote an article announcing that Experts in Water sector are meeting in Univerversity of Rwanda-College of Science and Technology to discuss different topics related to water resources management in Rwanda as well as how the IWRM is being implemented in Rwanda.
2. UMUSEKE
UMUSEKE wrote an article that encompasses comments and ideas from water experts on water resources management in Rwanda. Among others the Website published quotes of Nigerian Umaru Garba, Dean of the College of Science and Technology and Environmental Engineering Lecturer who has highlighted about strategies for combating water pollution in rivers and marshlands.
3. IGIHE FRENCH VERSION
IGIHE French Version published French article about the Scientific symposium that convened in Kigali to discuss the implementation of IWRM approach in Rwanda. The article showed that in this symposium, researchers present their work on the issue of water and the environment management. Researchers abound in the sense of establishing strategies to be put in place to fight against the erosion that causes siltation in the rivers. This question of water pollution is also posed acutely in urban areas where city activities (industries, garages, garbage and other household waste) have a very polluting role on the water bodies and swamplands.
IV. WORLD WATER DAY-RUBAVU
1. RWANDA INSPIRER
The RWANDA INSPIRER wrote that the government of Rwanda is looking for a long-term solution to prevent extreme flooding from Sebeya River, which has threatened to cause enormous damages including loss of lives. Officials say a study will soon be conducted by a team of experts in addition to the retaining wall which will be constructed on Sebeya river banks among other solutions which include planting trees, terraces and installing sandbags along the river.
2. IGIHE KINYARWANDA
In the article published in Kinyarwanda, this website wrote that the Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority is going to help the population around the river sebeya to find a sustainable solution to the calamities caused by this river flooding. The article adds that RWFA will work together with Water for Growth to find a long-term solution in Sebeya river catchment.
3. IGIHE FRENCH
IGIHE French Version in its article wrote that Rwanda celebrates International World Water Day in the time when Sebeya and Karambo rivers are causing the disastrous floods. In this article, on condition of anonymity the writer quoted an expert who suggested that the authorities of the RWAFA and Districts can combine their efforts and somehow require a space of at least 200 meters from the Sebeya river bed and Karambo, to be afforested entirely and prohibiting other human activities in that space upstream and downstream. The writer said citizens could be expropriated and relocated to safer place to avoid future disasters.
V. OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
TWITTER HASHTAGS:
#Amazi2018
#WaterWeek2018
VI. SEARCH ON SOUNDCLOUD CHANNEL
1. Listen to the Speech of Hon. Minsister of Environment at the Official Launch of Water Week 2018 (Kinyarwanda)
2. Listen to the Speech of Netherlands Ambassador at IWRM Conference (ENGLISH)
3. Listen to the Speech of DG/RWAFA on World Water Day Celebration: (Kinyarwanda)
4. Listen to the Speech of the 1st Secretary in the EKN during World Water Day Celebration in Rubavu (ENGLISH-KINYARWANDA)
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