By: Charles Ndushabandi
RWERU SECTOR, Bugesera District — After eight long years without access to clean water, residents of Rweru Sector erupted in song and dance this week as the taps of their newly constructed solar-powered water well were switched on for the first time.
Located at Ecole Primaire Nzangwa, the well will not only serve the school but also provide clean water to two other collection points in the nearby village, benefiting over 300 households in the broader community. The project is a collaborative effort between the Health Development Initiative (HDI) and the Angel Family Fund, representing a significant step toward tackling pressing issues like sanitation, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Aflodis Kagaba, Executive Director of HDI-Rwanda, emphasized the importance of the project’s location, pointing out that it is in the district where HDI-Rwanda first began its work nearly two decades ago. He also highlighted the vital partnership with the Angel Family Fund, which contributed nearly Rwf 60 million to the construction of the well.
“The Angel Family Fund has been a pivotal partner in our mission, exemplified by the construction of this water well,” said Dr. Kagaba. “This well not only honors our organization’s history but also reflects our belief that access to clean water is fundamental for community growth and prosperity.”
For local residents like Joseline Uwimana, the well brings much-needed relief. Uwimana shared how she and her children used to spend hours walking long distances in search of clean water, often finding sources that were dirty and unusable, leading to frequent health problems.
“Getting access to water has been a struggle. Even when we would manage to reach water sources, the water would be dirty and unusable. My children developed health issues because of that. It is a relief to know that my children can drink clean water and get to school on time,” Uwimana said.
Students at Ecole Primaire Nzangwa also shared their excitement over the impact of the new water well. Janet Mutesi, a student at the school, explained how she used to wake up at 4 a.m. to fetch water before school, often arriving late. Now, with the well nearby, she can manage her time better, allowing for more time to focus on schoolwork and play.
“I have been waking up at 4 a.m. to fetch water before school. I would get to school late. Now, with the water well close to our homes and school, I can manage my time better,” said Uwase.
In his speech, Innocent Uwiragiye, Executive Secretary of Nemba Cell, underscored the broader benefits of the project for the community. He highlighted how the well would not only improve access to clean water but also help ensure that students would no longer experience delays in receiving meals at school.
“We are very happy. Having clean water means we can now provide food for the students at school without delays,” Uwiragiye said. “This new water well will significantly improve the quality of life for our community, and we are grateful for this support.”
Robert Angel, founder of the Angel Family Fund, also spoke about the project’s personal significance to him and his family. Angel, who has been visiting Rwanda for the past 16 years, expressed his deep connection to the country and the community.
“My family and I have been coming to Rwanda for 16 years, and this country holds a special place in our hearts,” Angel said. “Seeing the faces of the children and their families and understanding what fresh water will mean to them—not just in terms of hygiene but also in preventing illness—is profoundly moving.”
Following the inauguration, the next phase of the project will involve comprehensive programs aimed at promoting hygiene and driving behavior change in the community. These will include education on handwashing, safe water storage, proper latrine use, and food hygiene, as well as community engagement in protecting the water sources.
The residents of Rweru Sector now look forward to a future where access to clean water is no longer a struggle but a consistent and reliable part of their daily lives
