Rwanda receives water quality testing equipment worth over Rwf 200 million

Rwanda has received high-tech water quality monitoring equipment valued at USD 139,000 (approximately Rwf 201.5 million) from the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) through the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB).

The handover took place on 20 October 2025, making Rwanda the first among the 10 NBI member states to receive the upgraded laboratory tools and modern sensors that provide real-time water quality data.

The sensors have been installed at four selected monitoring stations:

• Gihinga on the Akanyaru River
• Kanzenze on the Akagera River
• Kagitumba on the Muvumba River
• (and one more designated site)

The devices transmit water quality information every 10 minutes, significantly increasing Rwanda’s capacity to track water safety and strengthen cooperation among countries sharing Nile resources.

This initiative is part of the Nile Cooperation for Climate Resilience (NCCR) project, funded by the World Bank’s Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) trust fund.

RWB Director General Richard Nyirishema said the equipment will enhance decision-making and support the delivery of clean and safe water.

“The sensors provide instant water quality data, which can be accessed from the laboratory without visiting the site. This boosts our ability to ensure safe and reliable water supply,” he noted.

NBI Executive Director Dr. Florence Grace Adongo said the tools will inform national development plans and give a wider picture of water quality across the Nile Basin.

“These systems will support experts with accurate data for planning, economic development and public welfare, while providing a regional assessment of water quality,” she said.

Nine of the 10 Nile Basin member countries—depending on their respective water management needs—are expected to receive similar equipment. The goal is to improve environmental protection, reduce water pollution and safeguard the health of communities relying on Nile Basin water resources.