Funding Secured for Major Expansion of Karenge Waterworks in Rwanda

Rwamagana, January 3, 2026 - The Rwamagana District Administration has announced that funding has been fully secured for the expansion and distribution project of the Karenge Waterworks, with the first phase of construction already reaching a satisfactory level of completion.

The Karenge Waterworks is a strategic infrastructure project expected to significantly increase water supply to Rwamagana town, the district’s industrial zone, and parts of Kigali City. Under the expansion plan, the plant’s production capacity will rise from 12,000 cubic meters per day to 48,000 cubic meters, a fourfold increase.

The initial agreement for the expansion was signed between Rwanda and Hungary. More recently, on November 28, 2025, the Cabinet approved the final ratification of a financing agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Economic Development, which is providing a loan of 34.7 billion Rwandan francs to support the expansion of the water transportation and distribution system linked to the Karenge plant.

Rwamagana District Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab confirmed that construction works are underway and progressing well. He explained that once operational, water from the Karenge plant will be shared between Kigali City and Rwamagana District, with part directed to the industrial area and the remainder distributed to households.

The Abu Dhabi-funded component of the project will focus on the construction of water reservoirs and the installation of large transmission pipelines, covering more than 40 kilometers, to ensure water reaches different sectors of the district. These pipelines will connect to secondary distribution networks serving residential areas.

According to the mayor, the project is planned over three years, with the first year nearing completion. Trial distribution of water to the population is expected to begin within the coming months.

Currently, 93% of Rwamagana District’s population has access to clean water. Local authorities say the ultimate goal of the Karenge Waterworks expansion is to achieve universal access to safe drinking water across the district.