Over 300,000 people in Rwamagana District are set to benefit from the newly inaugurated Rwamagana District Sanitation Centre, a major initiative aimed at improving access to modern hygiene services, sanitation products, and safe toilet technologies. The center, supported by USAID and partners, is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable, high-quality sanitation and public health across Rwanda.
A Milestone for Public Health
The Rwamagana Sanitation Centre, launched under the Rwandan Rural Sanitation Activity (translated as Isuku Iwacu), is designed to provide a wide range of sanitation technologies and products, as well as training and education for the community. The center will serve as a hub for technical guidance, demonstration of modern latrine options, and access to affordable sanitation solutions for households and professionals alike.
Collaboration and Community Impact
The project is being implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, in partnership with World Vision and Water for People, and with the support of the Rwandan government. At the inauguration, key figures such as Sheikh Hassan Bahame (Director General in charge of social affairs and community development at the Ministry of Local Government), Leslie Marbury (USAID Acting Mission Director), and Phomolo Maphosa (SNV Rwanda Country Director) highlighted the center’s role in achieving Rwanda’s goal of 100% sanitation and hygiene coverage by 2020, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Phomolo Maphosa stated, “The aim is to help the government achieve its 2020 sanitation plan, which is to ensure 100 percent of sanitation and hygiene and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressing universal access to safe and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”
Empowering Residents and the Private Sector
The center will not only provide products and training but also support the construction of over 13,500 latrines for vulnerable households. It will foster collaboration with local private sector suppliers and encourage innovation in sanitation solutions. Emmanuel Tuyisenge, Managing Director of TEMACO Builders, demonstrated locally available latrine technologies, including those designed for people with disabilities.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, noting that the center would help them promote hygiene, gain new skills, and access modern sanitation equipment. “We are happy that we have a new center to boost hygiene and we will continue to work together to gain skills and hope even more people will benefit,” said a local resident.
Looking Forward
With Rwanda’s sanitation coverage already at 98 percent, the center is expected to help close the gap and ensure that even the most vulnerable have access to safe, sustainable sanitation. The government and partners remain committed to supporting similar initiatives across the country, aiming for improved hygiene, reduced disease, and a better quality of life for all Rwandans.