The Government of Rwanda has officially secured a $25 million loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to expand and upgrade the water transmission and distribution systems at the Karenge water treatment plant, located on the shores of Lake Mugesera in Rwamagana District.
The project, which is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to enhance national water security, aligns with the country’s ambitious goal of providing clean and sustainable water access to its growing population. The loan will finance crucial infrastructure upgrades, which will increase the efficiency of water delivery to key urban and rural areas in Rwanda.
The agreement was formalized by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and John Mirenge, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE. During the signing ceremony, Mirenge emphasized the importance of the partnership with the UAE, noting that the expansion of the Karenge plant is a significant milestone in Rwanda’s water infrastructure development. He explained that the project would help meet the increasing demand for water across the country, creating jobs and improving access to clean water for thousands of citizens.
Al Suwaidi underscored ADFD’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure projects that contribute to the economic and social advancement of developing nations. He highlighted the importance of the project in helping Rwanda achieve its goal of water self-sufficiency, particularly for Kigali, the capital city, and surrounding areas. The initiative is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
The Karenge water treatment plant expansion is part of a larger national program to secure Kigali’s water supply, which includes the construction of a new water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 36,000 cubic meters. The expansion will also involve enhancing water transmission and distribution systems to meet the city’s growing demand.
Established in 1971, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development continues to play a pivotal role in financing projects that improve the quality of life in developing countries, with a particular focus on sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education.