National Water and Sanitation Policy

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 6 1.1. Background..................................................................................................................... 6 1.2. Rationale for harmonized policy...................................................................................... 6 1.3. Consultation Process...................................................................................................... 6

2. POLICY CONTEXT................................................................................................................ 7 2.1. Status of water and sanitation........................................................................................ 7 2.1.1. Water resources status. .......................................................................................... 7 2.1.2. Water supply status................................................................................................. 8 2.1.3. Sanitation status...................................................................................................... 8

3. WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. ................... 9 3.1. Water and Sanitation sector challenges.......................................................................... 9 3.2. Water and Sanitation sector Opportunities..................................................................... 9

4. WATER AND SANITATION MISSION AND VISION. ..............................................................11

5. POLICY GUIDING PRINCIPLES. ............................................................................................ 12

6. POLICY OBJECTIVES. ........................................................................................................... 14 PART 1: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR WATER RESOURCES. ....................................................14 PART 2: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR WATER SUPPLY..............................................................19 PART 3: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR SANITATION. ................................................................. 22

7. WATER AND SANITATION CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES......................................................... 26 7.1. Environment and climate change....................................................................................... 26 7.2. Social inclusion.................................................................................................................. 26 7.3. Gender. ............................................................................................................................. 26 7.5. Capacity building............................................................................................................... 26 7.6. Funding Mechanism.......................................................................................................... 27

8. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK............................................................................................ 28 Annex 1: Implementation Plan ................................................................................................... 32 A. Water Resources ............................................................................................................. 32 B. Water Supply ................................................................................................................... 36 C. Sanitation ......................................................................................................................... 38 i National Water and Sanitation Policy Foreword Water re-ourccs ma t '.i.:,ement, ,vder supply and sanitation services play a signific an t role in social and cc..-:onomic development, publi c he, Ith and environmental protection. Therefore, the Go vernment of Rwanda l.ias made well- man, ged, su<:tainable water and anitation services among its priorities for the National Deve lopment Agenda a ,d is est:1blishi;1g upp o11ivc poli cies and lcgis L tion. Tbe National Water and Saru 1tion Pol icy ,vas developed to pr vidc clear direction fo r the irnplementcttion of activities re lated to ,vater resources m11ugement. water supply and sanit~tion. Tbe Policy outli nes initiati ves to overc.__rnl,; ch-llen~es and exploi t e, isting opportuni ties in an intcgrdted nE1m1~r and will effectively contribute towards achieving the gL·als of tbe Nationa l Development Agenda. The Go vernmen t of R\\·a:1d. will ensur prope r manJgement of wa ter r-•:ources, incre<1sed stUai nability and access to safe and clean water and sa 1it1ti --11 through improved operations a _d rn ai nte La .ce of the existing water supply and sanitation tnfrastructure to ensure smooth service provis ion.The Government is also encouraging the nctive pa1ti cipzitiorr of local private service providers and operato r in WJter supply and sanitation and will ensure that the principles advocated by the Policy are adhered to th roughou t tbe process of providing ,vater supply and sanitation services. Furlheunore, the Government strongly recognizes the initiatives of loca l, internatio nal and regional pro 0 1dmmes and partners and \.vill continue to c.oope1 ate with them to achieve the SustainJble Development Go:lls under the .c Q ~ $ • >. ' -,:;:: ~ . ....,:-: -- .-;_(•;1J • ·t;,,' ii II National Water and Sanitation Policy Executive summary The National Water and Sanitation Policy provides a strategic direction and responses to the water resources, water supply and sanitation sectors. The Policy actions address the challenges faced by the water and sanitation sector: the increased negative impact of climate change on water resources, water supply and sanitation; limited monitoring and reporting systems for water and sanitation projects and programmes; inadequate human and technical capacity within institution; and insufficient sanitation infrastructure, especially waste treatment facilities for both solid and liquid wastes. The Policy is designed within the context of national, regional and global development commitments including the medium and long-term national development agenda the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1), the Green Growth and Climate Resiliency Strategy (GGCRS), the Nationally Determined Contribution (to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts) the Rwanda Vision 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the East Africa Agenda 2063 and national sector policies). This harmonized water and sanitation policy document is a result of comprehensive desk review of key sector documents and a broad stakeholder consultation process led by a dedicated task force from key ministries and other relevant institutions. The primary objective of this Policy is to establish a framework for the sustainable management and equitable use of water resources, concurrently facilitating accessible, reliable and cost-effective provision of safe drinking water and sanitation services to all. This endeavour makes a pivotal contribution towards enhancing the overall quality of life, fostering socioeconomic advancement and safeguarding environmental protection. The Policy brings together several objectives related to water resources, water supply and sanitation. To implement it, a series of policy statements and policy actions have been identified. The policy objectives and associated policy actions will only be achieved with clear institutional arrangements including definition of the roles and responsibilities of all institutions in coordination, monitoring and evaluation. The Policy will be executed by implementing partners and stakeholders within existing implementation frameworks through district development strategies (DDS), sector strategic plans (SSPs), annual imihigo targets and action plans. These include action plans of development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the private sector. The existing coordination mechanisms in the water and sanitation sector (such as joint sector reviews, thematic working groups, and governance cluster meetings at both central and local levels) will also support the implementation of the Policy. iii National Water and Sanitation Policy Abbreviation and acronyms ABAKIR Autorité du Basin du Lac Kivu et de la Riviere Rusizi/Ruzizi CBEHPP Community-based environmental health promotion programme CoK City of Kigali CSO Civil society organization DDS District Development Strategy FONERWA Rwanda Green Fund GESI Gender and Social Inclusion GGCRS Green Growth and Climate Resiliency Strategy IWRM Integrated water resources management LODA Local Administrative Entities Development Agency LVBC Lake Victoria Basin Commission M&E Monitoring and evaluation MINAFFET Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources MINALOC Ministry of Local Government MINEDUC Ministry of Education MINICOM Ministry of Trade and Industry MINICT Ministry of ICT & Innovation MININFRA Ministry of Infrastructure MIS Management information system MOH Ministry of Health MoE Ministry of the Environment NBI Nile Basin Initiative NGO Non-governmental organization NRW Non-revenue water NST National Strategy for Transformation O&M Operation and maintenance PPP Public-private partnership PSF Private Sector Federation RAEB Rwanda Atomic Energy Board RBC Rwanda Biomedical Centre RDB Rwanda Development Board REG Rwanda Energy Group REMA Rwanda Environment Management Authority RFA Rwanda Forestry Authority RSB Rwanda Standards Board RURA Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority RWB Rwanda Water Resources Board SDG Sustainable Development Goal WASAC Water and Sanitation Corporation WASH Water, sanitation and hygiene WRM Water resources management REG Rwanda Energy Group iv National Water and Sanitation Policy

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background The Government of Rwanda adopted the National Policy for Water Resources Management in December 2011 and the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policies in December 2016. These national policies have been harmonized in the current Policy, with the aim of unifying the national water and sanitation sector. Harmonization addresses the challenges encountered when implementing standalone policies, and it requires the existing policies to be reviewed and updated. The new Policy takes sector dynamics into consideration and is aligned with national medium and long-term development agendas (including NST 1, Vision 2050, GGCRS and the SDGs). Due consideration is given to the current context, emerging issues, best practices and lessons learnt. In terms of water resources, the policy revision emphasizes and strengthens national capacity to forecast and plan to meet future demands for water while promoting the wise use of ground- and surface-water resources. It also addresses the issues of pollution and water quality to deliver a quality of life recommended by both Vision 2050 and the SDGs, at the same time creating resilience (of both landscapes and infrastructure) against climate-related disasters. In terms of water supply, the revision focused on the current delegated management of rural water supply. For sanitation, the emphasis is on the implementation, coordination and management of special wastes such as healthcare waste, electronic waste, industrial waste and nuclear/radioactive waste. The roles and responsibilities of the institutions in charge of Sanitation have been clearly highlighted in the Policy. 1.2. Rationale for a harmonized policy Rwanda’s water and sanitation context has changed considerably since the adoption of the three policies mentioned above. First, Vision 2020 (with which the three policies were aligned) has been succeeded by Vision 2050. Second, several issues emerged during implementation, including harmonization gaps when moving towards a sector-wide approach (SWAp), the sustainability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, financing gaps and challenges in human resources and institutional capacity. The Policy breaks into concrete principles, objectives and statements and calls for effective coordination among all key players. 1.3. Consultation process The consultation process for developing the harmonized policy document was inclusive and participatory, encompassing a diverse array of stakeholders and partners. It involved several phases: reflecting on past experiences and identifying future challenges; reaching a consensus on the direction for the water and sanitation sector; and formalizing and implementing this consensus. A series of activities was organized to ensure the perspectives and inputs of stakeholders and partners were comprehensively captured – task force meetings, provincial consultation workshops and a national validation workshop. All were tailored to facilitate engagement and to promote dialogue and collaboration. 6 National Water and Sanitation Policy

2. POLICY CONTEXT Rwanda’s National Water and Sanitation Policy is aligned with existing government positions, including the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, NST 1, Vision 2050, the updated nationally determined contribution (to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts), GGCRS and various sectoral policies. The Policy is also linked to regional and global commitments such as the SDGs, African Union Agenda 2063, East Africa Vision 2050, and the East African Community Climate Change Policy 2050. 2.1 Status of water and sanitation Rwanda has already achieved several strategic actions set out in the existing policies. 2.1.1 Water resources status According to the National Land Use Development Master Plan (2020–2050), 2,068 km² are wetlands (8 per cent of the national territory), including buffer zones, and 1,637 km² (6 per cent of the national territory) are water bodies, also with buffer zones. Rwanda has two hydrological basins: the Congo basin drains around 33 per cent of the national territory and receives approximately 21 per cent of the country’s water; the Nile basin drains around 67 per cent of the national territory, with 79 per cent of the country’s water. The country uses approximately 4 per cent of its renewable freshwater with the largest share being allocated to irrigation.1 On average, Rwanda receives total annual rainfall of 27.6 billion m3 (Bm3). The difference between these large inflows and ‘losses’ to the atmosphere is total renewable water resources (TRWR), which is about 8.7 Bm3 per year. TRWR is related to the term blue water availability (BWA) used by the Water Security for All study2 as a proxy for internal renewable water availability (IRWA). The total water demand in 2050 by households, industry, crops, livestock, irrigation and power is estimated to be 3.6 Bm3, with irrigation accounting for more than two-thirds of overall demand. The water supply will represent around 12 per cent of future demand by 2050. Several notable achievements have been realized in the management of water resources, including the establishment of an effective governance framework. This was further bolstered by institutional reforms culminating in the creation of the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB). The adoption of a Water Resources and Development Master Plan and the development of management plans for selected catchments have contributed significantly. Efforts to rehabilitate critical watersheds and catchments to restore their basic ecological functions have been successful. An efficient and equitable water allocation and utilization framework has been implemented through a permit system, with active monitoring of water users and usage. Robust mechanisms for water-related disaster management and climate change mitigation and adaptation have been put in place. Research, documentation and information dissemination have received substantial support, and the hydrological infrastructure network has been enhanced to ensure reliable water data. Rwanda actively engages in transboundary water cooperation through regional and global institutions such as the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), the Autorité du Basin du Lac Kivu et de la Riviere Rusizi/Ruzizi (ABAKIR) and the African Ministerial Council on Water. 1 Using the data from the Water User and Use Assessment in Rwanda (2020) funded by FAO in collaboration with RWB and the Integrated Strategic Water Resources Planning and Management for Rwanda, funded by FONERWA (Rwanda Green Fund) in collaboration with RWB (2023). 2 Integrated Strategic Water Resources Planning and Management for Rwanda, funded by FONERWA in collaboration with RWB (2023). 7 National Water and Sanitation Policy 2.1.2. Water supply status According to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, access to water supply is at 82 per cent and piped water within dwellings/yard is at 18 per cent. Water access rates are higher in urban areas (96 per cent) than in rural areas (77 per cent). To improve planning and service delivery while strengthening monitoring and evaluation (M&E), several initiatives have been taken in water supply programmes, including the development of a National Integrated Water and Sanitation Master Plan, the Kigali Water Supply Master Plan, district WASH investment plans, a WASH financing strategy and the development of a WASH management information system (MIS). Private sector engagement has been strengthened. 2.1.3. Sanitation status As reported in the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, overall access to improved sanitation services is at 92 per cent while access to basic services is at 72 per cent (rural 78 per cent and urban 56 per cent). In terms of solid waste disposal by private households, the most common mode is household compost dumping (51 per cent at national level); just 10 per cent have access to waste collection services. In wastewater, 45 per cent of private households dispose of their sewage water in the courtyard. This mode is less used in Kigali (17 per cent of households) than in the provinces (more than 42 per cent). 8 National Water and Sanitation Policy

3. WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 3.1. Water and sanitation sector challenges Despite the remarkable achievements summarized above, the sector faces several challenges including: i. Increasing negative impacts of climate change and variability in weather that adversely affect water resources, water supply and sanitation infrastructure. ii. Inadequate human and technical capacity within the institutions responsible for water resources, water supply and sanitation. iii. A financial gap in the implementation of water supply and sanitation programmes to increase sustainable access to WASH services. iv. Poor sustainability of WASH services, mostly in rural areas, which slows the achievement of universal access. v. A significant threat of depletion of water resources, water-related disasters and soil erosion due to land degradation. vi. Lack of data and information for decision-making at both national and transboundary levels. vii. The need to consolidate and strengthen institutional responsibilities in terms of waste management. viii. Environmental pollution that affects water quality. ix. Increased water demands due to urbanization, population growth and socio-economic development. 3.2. Water and sanitation opportunities Despite diverse challenges, the water and sanitation sector present opportunities that can contribute to national socioeconomic development: i. Political commitment to the proper management and sustainable utilization of water resources, supply and sanitation in Rwanda. ii. Well-defined and well-articulated flagship national policies that guide and provide strategic direction for national economic development and are closely interlinked with other development sectors, natural resources management, and adequate water supply and sanitation services. iii. Well-defined sector-specific policies and an overall strategic plan for the management of environment, natural resources, agricultural development, energy, water supply and sanitation. iv. An institutional framework with mandates and functions covering various sectors and sub- sectors relevant for the management of water resources, water supply and sanitation. v. The establishment by Presidential Order, where applicable, of an institution with a mandate to coordinate natural resources management across the sub-sectors of land, forests, water, mines, water supply and sanitation. vi. Growing synergies and partnership between government agencies and other stakeholders, including water users, water supply and sanitation services, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners. 9 National Water and Sanitation Policy vii. An evolving regional cooperative framework for the management, where applicable, of shared water resources, water supply and sanitation services based on common interest and shared values. viii. Good climatic conditions with high rainfall and a dense hydrological network. ix. The existence of national and district land-use plans. 10 National Water and Sanitation Policy

4. WATER AND SANITATION MISSION AND VISION The vision of the Water and Sanitation Policy is to: Facilitate sustainable management and equitable use of water resources, while ensuring sustainable, reliable and affordable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all Rwandan citizens, as a contribution to improving the quality of life, socioeconomic transformation and sustainable environmental management. The Water and Sanitation Policy mission is to: Ensure the protection, conservation, restoration and rational use of water resources as well as promote, plan, build and operate water supply and sanitation services in a sustainable, efficient and equitable manner. 11 National Water and Sanitation Policy

5. POLICY GUIDING PRINCIPLES Several policy principles guide the harmonization of this Policy, including: i) Integrated management of water resources within a catchment, considering the interests of all water users, land, other natural resources and related ecosystems. ii) Transboundary water resources cooperation: Rwanda, as a riparian country within the Nile and Congo River basins, has a reciprocal obligation to utilize its shared water resources sustainably and equitably. Therefore, account must be taken of established international principles for the management of shared water resources. They will be given effect on the basis of reciprocity and in the spirit of regional cooperation. iii) Human rights to water and sanitation: International and regional human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, recognize the right to water as a fundamental human right which must progressively be realized by all countries. This means that in allocating water resources, account must be taken of the needs and demands of all water users. iv) Precaution: Activities considered or suspected to have negative impacts on water resources will not be implemented even if such impacts have not yet been scientifically proved. Scientific uncertainty must not be taken into consideration for the benefit of destroyers of water resources, but it may be used in the conservation of water resources. v) Priority to basic and safely managed services: Each person and community has equal rights to access basic and safely managed water and sanitation services. To address the disparities in service levels, priority will be given to areas having low levels of service. vi) Decentralization: The responsibility for water and sanitation development is vested at both national and decentralized levels. The water and sanitation sector is committed to building and strengthening decentralized planning and implementation. The responsibility for service delivery is vested at the decentralized level. vii) Community participation: The beneficiaries of water supply and sanitation services will be actively involved in planning, decision-making and oversight throughout project implementation. They will choose the service level that responds to their needs and capacities. viii) Cost recovery and financial sustainability: Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs of water and sanitation infrastructure will be borne by the users. Affordability will be addressed by the choice of appropriate technologies and by enhancing efficiency, not only by granting subsidies. ix) “User-pays and polluter-pays” principles: Water users must pay for the water they use. Polluters must pay a significant part of the costs of prevention, pollution reduction and restoration of water resources in quality and in quantity. Subsidiarity, whereby development and protection. x) Sector-wide approach (SWAp): The water and sanitation sector aim to develop a consistent, national approach, harmonizing financing and implementation modalities and optimizing stakeholder coordination under the lead of the sector working group. The SWAp will consider all stakeholders including NGOs, development partners, CSOs and the private sector and will examine the sector’s capacity-building efforts. xi) Private-sector participation: The water and sanitation sector will continue to promote private sector engagement, a key strategy to enhance sustainability. The private sector will also be encouraged and supported to develop capacities for investment, construction and service delivery in water resources, water supply and sanitation. 12 National Water and Sanitation Policy xii) Results-based management: M&E systems will be strengthened in conjunction with planning and budgeting procedures, involving decentralized actors (the districts), to ensure that the activities and investments are in line with the defined sector objectives and priorities. Water and sanitation interventions will continue to be monitored; the WASH MIS and other new information and communication technologies will be used for real-time monitoring to allow evidence-based decision making. xiii) Gender equity and social inclusion (GESI): Implementation will integrate gender equality and social inclusion considerations within WASH programmes and policies. This approach ensures that these programmes are designed and implemented in ways that consider the specific needs, roles and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of their gender, age, disability, socioeconomic status or other factors, to promote equal access to and benefits from water and sanitation services. xiv) Circularity: Water resources, water supply and sanitation will be designed to minimize waste, recover valuable resources from waste water and reduce environmental impact. It involves closed-loop processes, resource recovery, water conservation, sustainable sanitation and community engagement. Circular systems prioritize efficient resource use, pollution reduction and resilience to climate change, aiming to create sustainable, socially inclusive and environmentally friendly solutions for water and sanitation challenges. 13 National Water and Sanitation Policy

6. POLICY OBJECTIVES PART 1: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR WATER RESOURCES The Water Resources Policy statement is based on the concept of integrated water resources management and has the following policy objectives: Policy objective 1: To improve the knowledge base, foresight and forecasting capacity of the nation’s water resources planning for sustainable management, development and protection. Currently, there are too few gauging stations for comprehensive water monitoring. Many hydrological stations are out of order, created data gaps and poor coverage. The absence of commonly agreed standards that define the content, format and quality of information affects the usability of the data at both national and regional levels. Policy statement 1.1: Strengthen the national capacity to collect, store, process and disseminate hydrological information in terms of quantity and quality. Policy actions:

1. Improve the coverage of gauging stations for hotspots and each major drainage catchment of the country to monitor the quality and quantity of water resources.

2. Develop standard and specifications for the installation of hydrological stations.

3. Provide equipment, facilities and training to strengthen institutions involved in collecting, storing, processing and disseminating of hydro-meteorological data.

4. Develop manuals, guidelines and formats on the collection, recording and storing of hydro- meteorological and groundwater data.

5. Set up and operationalize water information systems.

6. Facilitate training in hydrological and hydro-geological assessment tools.

7. Enhance education and career development opportunities in the water sector.

8. Enhance water quality monitoring systems and frameworks.

9. Build both the infrastructure and human capacity to investigate water pollution and quality of water bodies.

10. Establish a strong framework for the enforcement of water quality regulations and standards. Policy statement 1.2: Conduct a groundwater inventory to assess the main aquifers and groundwater potential. Policy actions:

1. Collect and compile all existing dug or drilled well information from drilling and contracting companies.

2. Undertake a groundwater inventory to inform future investment, regulations and conservation.

3. Undertake groundwater quality monitoring and create groundwater data sharing frameworks. Policy statement 1.3: Ensure effective and efficient water pollution control and water quality management. Policy actions:

1. Develop and disseminate water pollution control and water quality preservation guidance tools 14 National Water and Sanitation Policy (technical guidelines, best practice, etc.) for various sectors and water uses.

2. Develop and implement water quality monitoring plans and collaborate with institutions with similar objectives.

3. Strengthen national technical, infrastructure and skills capacity to monitor water quality and enforce water quality regulations.

4. Conduct water quality assessment and monitoring on national and shared transboundary water bodies and disseminate the findings.

5. Conduct water pollution investigations where polluting activities are suspected and recommend remedial or corrective measures.

6. Collaborate with national, regional and international stakeholders in water quality management.

7. Establish mechanisms to preserve the quality of groundwater and to prevent and control groundwater pollution. Policy statement 1.4: Strengthen foresight and forecasting capacity to enable the sustainable management, development and protection of water resources. Policy actions:

1. Develop knowledge products and technologies to inform short-, medium- and long-term plans for water resources management, development and protection.

2. Build capacity to use these technologies.

3. Establish a knowledge repository and knowledge-sharing platform to facilitate foresight and the development of forecasting products. Policy objective 2: To raise Rwanda’s involvement in dialogue, data sharing, management and development of transboundary water resources. Transboundary water cooperation has the potential to serve as a catalyst, both directly and indirectly, to enhance international trade, foster economic development, facilitate navigation, support energy generation, promote wildlife conservation and foster broader regional integration. Collaborative arrangements also create an environment conducive to investment by establishing a stable and reliable legal and institutional framework. Policy statement 2.1: Enhance the institutional and human resources capacity of water resources management institution and other key stakeholders to undertake tasks and strengthen Rwanda’s active involvement in transboundary water issues. Policy actions:

1. Establish a new unit/administration with the mandate to deal with transboundary water issues.

2. Manage demand – based on a comprehensive study on regional, bilateral and international agreements etc., negotiate transboundary water issues and recommend the appropriate path for Rwanda to secure an equitable share.

3. Establish cooperation frameworks on transboundary waters.

4. Increase stakeholder participation in the water governance for transboundary water resources through capacity building and creating an enabling environment. Policy objective 3: Rehabilitation of degraded catchments and catchment protection to improve 15 National Water and Sanitation Policy ecosystems. Given the magnitude of the problem associated with land degradation, seeking appropriate solutions in an acceptable manner involves working at catchment level with the community at the centre. Catchment management plans provide a long-term strategy for sustainable development and utilization of water and related resources. Catchment-based water resources planning and management is in line with the integrated water resources management (IWRM) paradigm, which ensures that land, water and related resources are developed and managed in a coordinated manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Policy statement 3.1: To control soil erosion by involving local community and institutions. Policy actions:

1. Implement soil erosion control activities that include terracing and afforestation.

2. Involve landowners, local communities and their institutions and build their capacity in soil erosion control activities.

3. Coordinate soil erosion control activities implemented by different stakeholders and partners.

4. Establish a national soil erosion monitoring information system.

5. Produce national annual reports and maps on soil erosion status.

6. Create and implement catchment management plans.

7. Mobilize funds for catchment restoration.

8. Support the functioning of catchment committees.

9. Establish payment for schemes that protect ecosystems. Policy statement 3.2: Introduce adaptive planning at different catchment levels for sustainable management and effective implementation. Policy actions:

1. Develop catchment management plans for all level-1 and level-2 catchments.

2. Develop technical tools to support adaptive planning at catchment level.

3. Build capacities and ensure skills development to all people involved in catchment planning including catchment committees and decentralized entities. Policy statement 3.3: Develop appropriate awareness campaigns focused on catchment protection and management. Policy actions:

1. Conduct awareness campaigns for soil erosion control.

2. Support the implementation of catchment education and public outreach. Policy objective 4: To promote equitable water allocation. Water is used by different sectors. Every sector that uses water needs to be registered. To avoid water-use conflicts, the mandated institution will make allocations to different water users. Policy statement 4.1: All water users will be mapped and be given water use permits. Policy actions: 16 National Water and Sanitation Policy

1. Identify the water-use potential of the various water bodies (lakes and rivers).

2. Develop master plans for water bodies to guide the issuance of water-use permits.

3. Issue water-use permits and monitor compliance. Policy statement 4.2: Develop national capacity (human and institutional) to develop laws, regulations, standards and procedures that facilitate appropriate decisions on water allocation and use. Policy action:

1. Provide training to build professional capacity to perform appropriate and effective decisions on water allocation and use. Policy objective 5: To ensure the management of water-related disasters to reduce communities’ vulnerability. Recently, the frequency and occurrence of water-related hazards (including flooding, thunderstorms and droughts) have been increased due to climate change. There has been significant damage to the environment and to the livelihoods in both urban and rural communities. Poor land use practices, deforestation and catchment degradation have further increased the effects of flooding and drought. This objective is directed towards reducing risk by developing better awareness and understanding of the drought and flood hazards and the underlying causes of community vulnerability. Policy statement 5.1: Prevent and mitigate water-related disasters. Policy actions:

1. Develop hazard risk maps of water-related disasters.

2. Implement mitigation measures, including infrastructure and nature-based solutions, for floods, landslides and drought.

3. Enhance early warning systems for water-related disasters in different river catchments.

4. Raise community awareness of water conservation and cultural practices that can reduce vulnerability to disasters.

5. Train local emergency responders and volunteers in disaster response and recovery techniques. Policy objective 6: Increased availability of water resources through prioritization of multiple use storage infrastructure. Policy statement 6.1: Develop artificial storage and capacity in response to projected need for water abstraction and other use for the horizon 2032. Policy actions:

1. Promote resilient multi-use of natural and artificial water storage.

2. Promote foresight of water-resource supply, demand and storage.

3. Promote cost-effective rainwater harvesting and associated building guidelines.

4. Develop an appropriate business model for storage development, operation and maintenance to attract the private sector.

5. Improve guidelines to mitigate conflict between uses (consumptive and non-consumptive) such as water supply, irrigation and hydropower. 17 National Water and Sanitation Policy

6. Increase sectoral coordination and collaboration on water development. Policy statement 6.2: Promote technologies that increase multi-scale water circularity and resilience. Policy actions:

1. Support technologies for leakage detection and sustainable infrastructure management.

2. Support technologies to reduce domestic use.

3. Support technologies for water use efficiency in agriculture, industry and institutions.

4. Support technologies that store water in situ and in soils such in-situ rainwater harvesting, terracing, trenches, ridges, agro-ecology, regenerative agriculture and conservation agriculture.

5. Support technologies for rainwater, grey and black water filtering and re-use in households and neighbourhoods.

6. Promote rainwater harvesting at both private and public establishments and enhance their potential to mitigate floods and soil erosion.

7. Promote individual and private-sector investment in rainwater harvesting facilities for multiple uses.

8. Conduct rainwater quality assessments and promote its multiple uses. Policy objective 7: Promote innovation and applied research and the dissemination of findings in support of sound water resources management. Policy statement 7.1: Strengthen institutional framework and develop capacity to support innovative applied research in IWRM and exchange research information. Policy actions:

1. Develop a communication and exchange strategy for information on water research.

2. Strengthen the human and institutional capacity of existing water research establishments. Policy statement 7.2: Promote awareness of the importance of research and information exchange on water resources management. Policy actions:

1. Organize forums and symposiums to sensitize senior officials and high-calibre professionals and to encourage young research professionals.

2. Organize forums and workshops targeting grassroot communities and civil servants where most of the information is needed. Policy statement 7.3: Develop a communication system for proper information flow and to promote research capacity in the water sector. Policy actions:

1. Establish an efficient and effective research information communication and exchange system Policy statement 7.4: Support applied research to correct unsustainable practices in water resource management. 18 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy actions:

1. Identify urgent and priority applied research needs.

2. Support the implementation of targeted applied research projects to address priority knowledge gaps. Policy objective 8: Enhance storm water management to mitigate impacts on property, infrastructure, human health and the environment. Storm water runoff causes a range of negative impacts, including damage to infrastructure, environmental health hazards and pollution of water resources. Storm water management is a cross- cutting issue, so improvements need cooperation with other sectors – urban planning, erosion control and environmental health. Policy statement 8.1: Build an institutional and regulatory framework for cooperation and support in storm water management. This includes the clarification of responsibilities for preventive and emergency actions, the harmonization of laws and regulations, the identification of gaps and the initiation of joint planning and coordination mechanisms. Regarding enforcement, some measures for storm water and rainwater management will be incorporated into construction permit requirements, especially in the City of Kigali, secondary cities and other proved settlements, for special cases of public buildings and larger private buildings. Policy actions:

1. Develop effective guidelines for storm water management.

2. Develop a master plan for storm water management. PART 2: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR WATER SUPPLY The main objective of the Policy is to ensure sustainable water services for all, taking into consideration the water requirements of both rural and urban populations. Policy objective 1: Provide universal access to safe water and increase basic and safely managed water services by fast-tracking strategic investment programmes. The following policy statements focus on the investment planning, financing and implementation required to increase access to water supply services. Policy statement 1.1: Implement projects identified by the water supply master plans based on investment needs. Achieving universal access to safe water while increasing levels of water supply services is possible through infrastructure projects that are selected, financed and implemented according to criteria set out in master plans. The projects must have effective M&E. Policy actions:

1. Accelerate the implementation of projects identified under master plans and district WASH investment plans by mobilizing funds from Government and development partners.

2. Strengthen regular M&E to ensure effective implementation of water supply programmes and projects. 19 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy statement 1.2: Develop production and distribution capacities. The Government of Rwanda will continue its efforts to mobilize resources for investment in water production capacities and distribution systems. Policy action:

1. Mobilize private investment for bulk water production to ensure private sector engagement through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Policy statement 1.3: Review and accelerate implementation of a strategy to reduce non- revenue water (NRW) by lowering both technical and commercial water losses. The sector will continue to implement climate-resilient projects and programmes to reduce NRW. This will be realized through the following policy actions. Policy actions:

1. Implement already identified climate-resilient water supply projects and programmes.

2. Continue to implement NRW reduction strategy under WASAC Group Policy statement 1.4: Strengthen districts for effective project planning, coordination and monitoring. District authorities will be involved in planning, coordinating and monitoring the water supply projects within their districts. This will be achieved through the following policy actions Policy actions:

1. Strengthen and build district capacities in terms of planning, coordination and monitoring of water supply infrastructure development supported by WASAC Group

2. Strengthen district WASH boards to carry out overall coordination at district level and ensure that water supply performance indicators are incorporated into district performance contracts.

3. Strengthen the monitoring of both project implementation and progress towards achieving the goal of universal access. To this end, the existing MIS needs to be improved.

4. Involve district WASH boards and water user associations/committees in the oversight arrangements to represent consumer interests and user rights.

5. Develop, disseminate and continuously update harmonized designs, implementation manuals and related guidelines for district water supply systems. Policy statement 1.5: Promote household connections to improve basic and safely managed water supply countrywide. Policy actions:

1. Actively encourage the construction of private connections at the planning stage; consider one-off subsidies to make connection costs affordable.

2. Review policies regarding new connections and consider a ‘social connection’ for the poor and vulnerable. 20 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy objective 2: Ensure sustainable functionality of water supply infrastructure countrywide by strengthening the management of operation and maintenance. Policy statement 2.1: Cluster service areas to create economies of scale, professionalize service delivery and trigger private investment. The delegated management model, which is based on management contracts with private operators, will be maintained with adjustments to promote economies of scale and create commercially viable units that are attractive to professional service-providers. Policy actions:

1. Strengthen the management of water supply systems countrywide while encouraging private sector participation; WASAC Group will be responsible for overall management of water supply systems.

2. As a contracting authority, the WASAC Group will conduct regular financial and technical audits to improve service delivery.

3. The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) will manage water supply infrastructure by operating and maintaining boreholes and hand-pumps as temporary solutions to ensure service delivery to the community. Policy statement 2.2: Strengthen coordination and the institutional and legal framework. Policy actions:

1. Draft the water and sanitation legislation.

2. Implement and monitor WASH sectorial coordination programmes and projects through the SWAp coordination framework.

3. Strengthen the performance measurement framework through the existing WASH MIS. Policy statement 2.3: Strengthen an operation and maintenance performance-monitoring framework, including a web-based information system. The National Regulatory Utility will continue to strengthen the monitoring framework (indicators, reporting and benchmarking procedures) and will upgrade to a web-based information system. Policy actions:

1. Strengthen monitoring and information systems to capture key information on operational performance, quality of service delivery, contract status, the achievement of performance targets, cost recovery and the condition of key assets. The systems should be web-based to make the information accessible from different locations.

2. Develop water safety plans and a water quality surveillance system for rural water supplies. Policy statement 2.4: Develop water tariffs that take into account financial viability and affordability. The regulator, in cooperation with main stakeholders, will prepare tariff guidelines that reflect the arrangements for O&M. 21 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy actions:

1. Set tariffs taking into account both O&M costs and affordability considerations.

2. Regulate water sales prices at kiosks and public standpipes.

3. Define specific exemptions for extremely poor or vulnerable households, based on guidance from concerned institutions. The cost of this free service will be compensated for by other consumer categories. Policy statement 2.5: Provide funds and financing mechanisms for capital maintenance, rehabilitation and renewal investments for existing schemes. Many of the old piped-water schemes need substantial refurbishment and/or expansion. It is therefore essential for Government to provide adequate funding to maintain the functionality of the existing infrastructure. In cases where the National Utility contracts with the private sector, the service contract between two parties will determine the modalities and scope of the contribution. Policy action:

1. The Government, through WASAC Group, will establish a funding mechanism and allocate budgets for rehabilitation, repairs, upgrades and extensions. Policy objective 3: Ensure safe and reliable water supplies for schools, health facilities and other public places. The sector will actively collaborate with relevant ministries, development partners and stakeholders to provide sufficient water supply services to essential facilities such as health facilities, schools and public spaces. Policy statement 3.1: Extend water supply services for schools, health facilities and other public places to 100 per cent. Water supply service providers will ensure sustainable water supply services for schools, health facilities and other public places. Policy actions:

1. Collaborate with the Ministry of education, health and other sectors to undertake an assessment of water supply and demand.

2. Build inclusive public water supply facilities that meet norms and standards in busy places such as markets, car parks and local administrative offices. PART 3: POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR SANITATION Specific sanitation objectives are formulated in a way to be directly used for strategic planning and monitoring. Policy objective 1: Raise and sustain household sanitation coverage to 100 per cent. Individual on-site systems will remain the sanitary solution for most Rwandan households in reaching the overall coverage objective. Modern individual sanitation will be designed, made available, inclusive and affordable to all. Policy statement 1.1: Enhance cooperation framework for a comprehensive inter-sectoral programme to promote basic household sanitation and behaviour change. A cooperation framework will be strengthened to coordinate the interventions of different government institutions involved in individual sanitation and hygiene promotion activities: the Ministry of Health 22 National Water and Sanitation Policy (MOH), the Ministry of Infrastructure (MINIFRA), the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), WASAC Group, City of Kigali and the districts. MINALOC will continue to be the lead institution in individual household sanitation; MOH, with the involvement of MINALOC, will continue to be the lead in hygiene promotion and behaviour change at community level, through its national community-based environmental health promotion programmes (CBEHPP). WASAC Group will be responsible for the development, evaluation and support of adequate technical sanitation solutions. Policy actions:

1. Implement CBEHPPs.

2. Develop, evaluate and provide support for adequate technical sanitation solutions. Policy statement 1.2: Raise basic and safely managed sanitation by enhancing the demand for sanitation. Households are currently the primary financial contributors to the sanitation sector in Rwanda, dedicating significant resources to the construction of their own on-site sanitation facilities. Therefore, fostering ownership and catalysing behaviour change are pivotal prerequisites for the sustainable expansion of sanitation coverage and the enhancement of hygiene practices. This encompasses the correct use and maintenance of latrines, handwashing with soap at key junctures, the safe storage and handling of water, and the facilitation of improved access to local materials and services. Policy actions:

1. Conduct awareness campaigns related to visible and non-visible health impacts of poor sanitation, aiming at behaviour change.

2. Marketing an adequate sanitation offer (supply side), targeting people’s expectations and preferences such as comfort, status, health benefits, value or safety.

3. Provide incentives or targeted subsidies for selected materials to support poor and vulnerable households to accelerate the improvement, construction or replacement of sanitary facilities. Policy statement 1.3: Develop private-sector capacities for improved sanitation, mixed use of financing, and demonstrate a range of individual sanitation technologies. Policy actions:

1. Attract external investment into water and sanitation including bilateral, multilateral and other international funding cooperation frameworks.

2. Foster an enabling environment for the private sector.

3. Promote systematic research and the development of affordable and inclusive hygienic on-site individual sanitary solutions.

4. Prioritize waterless excreta disposal solutions in households without water connections.

5. Set up practical demonstrations, construct sanitary showrooms, disseminate knowledge and hold district-level sanitation markets. 23 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy objective 2: Provide basic and safely managed sanitation for schools, health facilities and other public institutions and locations. To ensure schools, health facilities, and other public institutions and locations have access to proper sanitation facilities, more efforts will be dedicated to providing fundamental sanitation infrastructure. This is aimed at improving hygiene, health and overall wellbeing within essential community spaces. Policy statement 2.1: Implement a joint programme to provide hygienic sanitary facilities to promote hygiene in all schools, health centres and other public institutions. All educational and health infrastructure projects and programmes will include a sanitation element addressing both structural and non-structural (soft) elements. Policy actions:

1. Construct inclusive public toilets meeting norms and standards in health facilities and schools.

2. Construct public toilets in business centres and shopping malls that are accessible and visible for everyone. Policy objective 3: Develop safe, well-regulated and affordable sanitation services countrywide. Sanitation services will combine infrastructure elements (e.g., user interface, sewerage systems, containment, treatment plants) as well as service functions (e.g., sludge collection from septic tanks and pit latrines) that involve public and private actors across different sectors (infrastructure, and environmental health). Policy statement 3.1: Establish an enabling environment for sewer and non-sewer sanitation systems. Policy actions:

1. Develop an effective regulatory framework for sewer and non-sewer sanitation systems.

2. Promote viable, low-cost approaches for sanitation services (sewer and non-sewer).

3. Establish a cost recovery framework for sanitation services. Policy statement 3.2: Establish sanitation facilities for both wastewater and faecal sludge treatment as identified by the master plans. Policy actions:

1. Construct collective sewer networks in urban areas.

2. Construct treatment facilities (wastewater and faecal sludge treatment plants). Policy objective 4: Implement integrated solid waste management. Policy statement 4.1: Follow the waste hierarchy approach for maximum impact and cost efficiency. Solid waste management will follow a waste hierarchy approach aimed at extracting the maximum practical benefits from products and generating the minimum amount of waste. Policy actions:

1. Prioritize minimization of solid waste and enhancement of solid waste management.

2. Facilitate solid waste collection, transportation, recycling and reuse.

3. Construct appropriate waste disposal and management facilities. 24 National Water and Sanitation Policy Policy objective 5: Ensure safe management of e-waste, industrial waste, nuclear/radioactive waste and healthcare waste. The safe management of diverse waste types to protect environmental and human health entails proper disposal, recycling and control measures. It requires regulatory frameworks, awareness campaigns and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure responsible waste management that protects public health and preserves the environment. Involved institutions will develop individual strategies and tools to provide detailed directions on managing such wastes. Policy statement 5.1: Establishment of e-waste collection and management framework. Policy actions:

1. Develop a national e-waste management strategy.

2. Develop legislation for e-waste collection and management, adopting the waste management hierarchy approach.

3. Sensitize and encourage private-sector engagement in transforming e-waste into business opportunities under the circular economy principle.

4. Establish e-waste management facilities to ensure proper collection, transportation, dismantling, disposal and recycling of e-waste.

5. Raise public awareness on the sustainable management of e-waste. Policy statement 5.2: Reinforce the industrial waste management framework to minimize environmental pollution and eliminate dangers to human health. Policy actions:

1. Industrial waste treatment facilities will be established at industrial premises by the developers/ operators.

2. Enforce industrial effluent standards and legislation regarding discharge into a public sewer and the environment.

3. Develop a national industrial waste management and pollution prevention strategy.

4. Promote circular economy principles through private sector engagement.

5. Support research and innovation to develop new technologies and methods for industrial waste and pollution management. Policy statement 5.3: Develop a radioactive/nuclear waste management framework. Policy actions:

1. Develop a national strategy for the management of radioactive/nuclear waste.

2. Develop legislative instruments for the safe management of nuclear and radioactive waste.

3. Establish radioactive/ nuclear waste management facilities. Policy statement 5.4: Strengthen the framework for the management of healthcare waste. Policy actions:

1. Develop a national healthcare waste management strategy.

2. Establish healthcare waste management facilities. Develop legislative instruments for healthcare waste management 25 National Water and Sanitation Policy

7. WATER AND SANITATION CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Cross-cutting issues in water and sanitation encompass societal and environmental factors that that require much attention in implementing this policy. They include gender equality, social inclusion, climate change resilience and sustainable development. Addressing these issues ensures that water and sanitation programmes are equitable, environmentally sustainable and aligned with broader development objectives. This Policy takes the following cross-cutting issues into account: 7.1. Environment and climate change All water and sanitation projects and programmes will adhere strictly to the applicable environmental regulations and safeguards, with a strong commitment to climate resilience. This approach ensures that our initiatives not only comply with legal requirements but also proactively contribute to environmental protection and are well-prepared to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. 7.2. Social inclusion Water and sanitation development implies social responsibility, as access to safe water and basic sanitation concerns human rights and affects the living conditions of all. Water and sanitation projects and programmes will endeavour to ensure that all population groups, including vulnerable households, children, the elderly and disabled persons benefit from its interventions. Due attention will be given to the specific needs of these disadvantaged population groups. 7.3. Gender A gender-conscious approach assumes special significance in the water and sanitation sector because, according to the traditional division of labour, women are responsible for providing water in the household, and for hygiene and healthcare. Women are therefore most affected when water supply fail and sanitation is poor. Gender mainstreaming in water and sanitation will continue to be a priority. The water and sanitation sectors will ensure that: a) Women’s participation in committees and in the management of water catchments and water supply schemes, including in high-level positions, is promoted. b) The policy ensures that the needs, priorities and interests of women are considered in the design, planning and implementation processes and strategies. 7.5. Capacity building Although short-term training and targeted courses are important for skills and managerial development, long-term training in specific areas enhances specialization and better service delivery. The water and sanitation sector will continue to invest in capacity development of its implementing institutions and partners. The Government therefore undertakes to:

1. Support and promote the development of expertise in government agencies, the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) in various areas of water and sanitation through targeted short and long-term courses and awareness creation.

2. Develop a wide range of training opportunities and modules in the field of water and sanitation for different levels, taking into account gender equity and social inclusion, emerging issues in the sector and decentralized institutions.

3. Enhance networking between centres of excellence in water and sanitation management at national, regional and international levels. 26 National Water and Sanitation Policy 7.6. Funding mechanism Sound water resources protection and management, water supply and sanitation services provision require sustainable financing mechanism. The Government will continue to:

1. Promote the participation of individuals and PPPs through fiscal incentives and voluntary agreements pegged to sectoral performance indicators.

2. Broaden the revenue and funding base to ensure the financial sustainability of water and sanitation management institutions.

3. Continue attracting external investment into water and sanitation including bilateral, multilateral and other international cooperative funding frameworks. 27 National Water and Sanitation Policy

8. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK This Policy will be implemented through collaboration between government institutions, development partners, the private sector and civil society. Table 2 indicates the roles and responsibilities of key actors. The private sector, CSOs and communities will be responsible for supporting the Government to implement, monitor and evaluate the Policy. It will be implemented through ministerial and district development strategies, sector strategic plans, and annual imihigo targets and action plans. The Policy will also be implemented through the action plans of development partners, CSOs and the private sector who will translate policy into action. However, effective implementation is conditional on the support of international stakeholders – the implementation of policy actions assumes the continued use of existing and planned national and international financial sources from development partners. Existing key coordination mechanisms will support policy implementation. These include: (1) the inter-ministerial steering committee for the Policy; (2) the economic cluster forum; (3) sector working groups; (4) joint sector reviews; (5) thematic working groups; and (6) governance cluster meetings at central and local levels. These platforms will ensure Sector Wide Approach participatory joint planning. They will also provide accountability and ensure the inclusion of water and sanitation infrastructure, environmental considerations, climate services and climate change targets into sector and district priorities to foster ownership and accountability. To fully implement the above policy actions, the clear roles and responsibilities of all institutions are indicated in the table below. Annex 1 presents an implementation plan and timeline for the Policy with an indicative budget. The detailed implementation plan, indicators and targets will be prepared separately to support smooth implementation. Table 1: Government institutions and development partners’ roles and responsibilities Institution Roles and responsibilities Formulates national policies and strategic planning, sector oversight, budgeting and Ministry of Infrastructure resource mobilization. Coordinates legal and regulatory framework and overall sector (MININFRA) performance monitoring. Responsible for M&E of all infrastructure related to water supply and sanitation except for strategic planning for electronic waste, industrial waste and healthcare waste. Leads and coordinates the national budgeting, planning, M&E, financing framework, with a strong role in related aspects of the water and sanitation services sub-sector. Ministry of Finance and Economic Resource mobilization to support water and sanitation investment and related Planning (MINECOFIN) financing requirements. Ensures the fiduciary framework to manage grants, loans and other concessional finance from development partners. Leads, establishes and enforces the industrial waste management framework to minimize environmental pollution, enforces compliance with water and sanitation Ministry of Trade and Industry regulation, ensures collection from generation to the treatment points, develops (MINICOM) implementation strategy for industrial waste management. Conducts risk profiling of potential consumers from public and private institutions to enhance e-waste collection process, planning and monitoring Leads and provides overall policy guidance and supervision and monitors how the water-resources-related components of the Policy are implemented in relation to Ministry of Environment (MoE) other national policies. This is done with the advice of and in consultation with the arms of Government responsible for overall national policy and with other relevant sectors. 28 National Water and Sanitation Policy Institution Roles and responsibilities Builds the competency and human-resources base for sector development. Helps to link sector policies and strategies to research, technology development, innovations. Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) Conducts awareness campaigns for school hygiene clubs in collaboration with MININFRA Responsible for the decentralization approach and matters related to local government Ministry of Local Government planning, finance and administration related to implementation of the water and (MINALOC) sanitation policy. Designated implementing agency for water resources management. Takes the leading Government agency –Water role in enforcing regulations related to water resources management, responsible Resources Board (RWB) for coordination, technical operations and implementation in collaboration with other agencies and all relevant stakeholders. Leads e-waste sub-sector and develops strategies that elaborate specific roles, Ministry of ICT & Innovation responsibilities and procedures for proper e-waste management. Will establish an (MINICT) e-waste collection and management framework and conduct M&E on the value chain process. Leads investment mobilization and promotion of water and sanitation sector, acting as Rwanda Development Board a gateway and facilitator for local financial institutions and foreign direct investment. (RDB) Will issue environmental impact assessment certificates and is expected to host a central agency for PPPs across government. Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Regulation of water and sanitation sector, ensuring tariff setting and enforcing Authority (RURA) implementation. Coordinates and partners with other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) of this Policy while complying with water abstraction standards. Rwanda Environment Coordinates, oversees and implements environmental policy. Mandated to enforce Management Authority (REMA) environmental compliance in water and sanitation development. Develops, disseminates and publishes national technical standards for water and Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) sanitation sector. Plan and coordinate water and sanitation projects/programmes, ensure sustainable Districts, City of Kigali (CoK) services to the community. Agency in charge of implementing Implements water supply and sanitation programmes/projects, mobilizes resources, water supply and sanitation policy provides technical expertise to districts, O&M of urban water supply network, (WASAC Group) contracts private operators for rural water supply O&M. Leads development of healthcare waste strategy, promotes household sanitation Ministry of Health (MOH) and hygiene. Energy sector Connects the pumping stations and water treatment plants to the electricity grid. Will be involved in project identification, planning and commissioning; will form user Communities committees to represent consumer interests; will oversee the O&M of certain water infrastructure (community management). Support sector development in accordance with the principles agreed for the SWAp; Development partners contribute to financing sector projects through a variety of aid modalities. 29 National Water and Sanitation Policy Institution Roles and responsibilities Participate in the execution of projects (consulting firms, contractors) as well as in infrastructure operation and maintenance (private operators, through delegated management, contracted by the districts). The informal sector and small/medium enterprises provide sanitation services (sludge emptying), carry out most of the Private sector individual sanitary improvements throughout the country and are active in solid waste management (collection, recycling). The Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) has an important role in technical and vocational training and in business development support Support sector development in accordance with the principles agreed for the SWAp; CSOs and NGOs contribute to financing sector projects through a variety of aid modalities. 30 National Water and Sanitation Policy

Annex 1: Implementation plan A. Water resources Estimated budget Policy actions (water resources) Timeline Responsibility (millions Rwf) Improve the coverage of gauging stations for hotspots and each major drainage catchment of the country to monitor status of water 1,500 2023-2032 RWB resources in quality and quantity Develop standards and specifications for acquiring and installation of hydrological stations. T 150 2023-2026 RWB, RSB Provide equipment, facilities and training to strengthen institutions involved in collecting, storing, processing and disseminating 800 2023-2032 RWB, Meteo Rwanda hydro-meteorological data. Develop manuals, guidelines, formats on the collection, recording and storing of hydro-meteorological and groundwater data. 150 2023-2026 RWB, Meteo Rwanda Set up and operationalize water information systems. 850 2023-2032 Facilitate training in hydrological and hydro-geological assessment tools. 180 2023-2027 MoE, RWB, Meteo Rwanda, RISA Enhance education and career development opportunities in the water sector. 450 2023-2032 RWB, MINEDUC, MoE, Rwanda Higher Education Council Enhance water quality monitoring systems and frameworks. 600 2023-2032 RWB, MoE Build both the infrastructure and human capacity to investigate water pollution and quality of water bodies. 1,200 2023-2032 RWB, REMA Establish a strong framework for water quality regulations and standards enforcement. 200 2023-2028 RWB, REMA & RSB RWB, WASAC Group, Living Water International Rwanda, Collect and compile all existing dug or drilled well information from drilling and contracting companies. 120 2023-2028 MINAGRI Undertake groundwater inventory to inform future investment, regulations and conservation. 1,300 2023-2032 RWB, RSA, NBI Undertake groundwater quality monitoring and create groundwater data sharing frameworks. 800 2023-2032 RWB Establish mechanisms for groundwater quality preservation and groundwater pollution prevention and control. 600 2023-2032 RWB, REMA, MoE Develop and disseminate water pollution control and water quality preservation guidance tools (technical guidelines, best practices, 350 2023-2028 RWB, REMA etc.) for various sectors and water uses. Develop and implement water quality monitoring plans and collaborate with institutions with similar missions and objectives in their 600 2023-2032 RWB, REMA, MoE implementation. Strengthen national technical, infrastructure and skills capacity to monitor water quality and to enforce water quality regulations. 600 2023-2028 RWB, REMA Conduct water quality assessment and monitoring on national and shared transboundary water bodies and disseminate findings. 900 2023-2032 RWB, REMA Conduct water pollution investigations where polluting activities are suspected and recommend remedial or corrective measures. 800 2023-2032 RWB, REMA, MoE, NBI, ABAKIR, LVBC Collaborate with national, regional and international stakeholders in water quality management. 300 2023-2032 RWB, REMA, MoE, NBI, ABAKIR, LVBC Develop knowledge products and technologies to inform the short-, medium- and long-term water resources management, 400 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MINAGRI, MoE development and protection plans. Build foresight and forecasting capacity for sustainable water resources development plans. 1,000 2023-2028 RWB, MoE, MININFRA, MINAGRI Establish a knowledge repository and knowledge sharing platform to facilitate foresight and forecasting products development. 200 2023-2026 RWB, MoE, MIININFRA, MINAGRI MoE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Establish a new unit/administration within mandates of transboundary water issue 350 2023-2027 (MINAFFET), RWB 32 National Water and Sanitation Policy Estimated budget Policy actions (water resources) Timeline Responsibility (millions Rwf) Conduct comprehensive study on regional, bilateral and international agreements for Rwanda to secure equitable share (demand 450 2023-2026 MoE, MINAFFET, RWB management). Establish cooperation frameworks on transboundary waters. 1,200 2023-2030 MoE, MINAFFET, RWB Increase stakeholder participation in the water governance for transboundary water resources through capacity building and creating 300 2023-2032 MoE, MINAFFET, RWB an enabling environment. RWB, MINALOC, MINAGRI, Rwanda Forestry Authority Implement soil erosion control activities that include terracing, afforestation. 380,000 2023-2032 (RFA), Districts Involve landowners, communities, institutions and build their capacity in techniques for soil erosion control activities. 80,300 2023-2032 RWB, MINAGRI, RFA, Districts Coordinate soil erosion control activities implemented by different stakeholders and partners. 400 2023-2032 RWB, MINALOC Conduct soil erosion control assessment and monitoring by establishing national soil erosion monitoring information system. 900 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, MINAGRI, RFA Produce an annual national report and map on soil erosion status. 400 2023-2032 RWB, MINAGRI, RFA, Districts Implement the catchment management plans. 800 2023-2032 RWB, MINAGRI, MINALOC, RFA, Districts Mobilize funds for catchment restoration. 1,000 2023-2032 RWB, MINAGRI, RFA, Districts Support the functioning of catchment committees. 650 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, MINALOC, Districts Establish payment for ecosystem schemes. 600 2023-2032 RWB, MoE Develop catchment management plans for all level-1 and level-2 catchments. 1,400 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, LMA Develop necessary technical tools that support adaptive planning at catchment levels. 350 2023-2032 RWB Build capacities and ensure skills development to all people involved in catchment planning including catchment committees and 300 2023-2032 RWB decentralized entities. Conduct awareness campaigns for soil erosion control. 280 2023-2032 RWB, MINALOC, MINAGRI, RFA, Districts Support the implementation of catchment education and public outreach. 350 2023-2032 RWB, MINALOC, MINAGRI, RFA, Districts Identify different water use potential based on water bodies. 500 2023-2028 RWB, RSA, Districts Issue water-use permits and monitor compliance with the conditions of the permit. 620 2023-2032 RWB, Districts Develop master plans for water bodies (lakes and rivers) to guide the issuance of water-use permits. 560 2023-2028 RWB, MoE, LMA Provide training to build professional capacity to perform appropriate and effective decisions on water allocation and use. 150 2023-2032 RWB, Districts, MoE Develop water-related disasters hazard maps 420 2023-2027 MINEMA, RWB, RSA, LMA Implement floods, landslides, drought mitigation measures including infrastructure, nature-based solutions. 450 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, RTDA, RHA, CoK Enhance water related disasters early warning systems in different river catchments. 1,200 2023-2032 MINEMA, RWB, Meteo Rwanda, RNP Conduct community awareness-raising programmes on water conservation and different cultural practices to reduce vulnerability to 200 2023-2032 RWB, MINALOC, MoE, disaster. Train local emergency responders and volunteers in disaster response and recovery techniques. 200 2023-2032 RWB, MINALOC, MoE, MINEMA Implement early warning systems in areas affected by water-related disasters 1,200 2023-2032 MINEMA, RWB, Meteo Rwanda, RNP Conduct rainwater quality assessments and promote its multiple uses. 200 2023-2032 MoE, RWB Build the institutional and regulatory framework for sectors’ cooperation and support in stormwater management. 200 2023-2032 MoE, MININFRA, RWB Promote resilient multi-use of natural and artificial storage. 200 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MINAGRI, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Promote foresight of water resources supply, demand and storage. 300 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MINAGRI, REG Promote cost-effective rainwater harvesting and associated building guidelines. 200 2023-2032 RWB, MIMINFRA, RHA Develop appropriate business model for storage development, operation and maintenance to attract the private sector. 450 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MINICOM, RDB, PSF Improve guidelines to mitigate conflict between uses (consumptive and non-consumptive) such as water supply, irrigation and 200 2023-2026 RWB, MININFRA, MINAGRI, REG hydropower. Increase sectoral coordination and collaboration on water development. 200 2023-2032 MoE, RWB, MININFRA Support technologies for leakage detection and sustainable infrastructure management. 500 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA Support technologies to reduce domestic use. 500 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA Support technologies for water use efficiency in agriculture, industry and institutions. 800 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MINICOM, MoE, RHA 34 National Water and Sanitation Policy Estimated budget Policy actions (water resources) Timeline Responsibility (millions Rwf) Support technologies that store water in situ and in soils such in-situ rainwater harvesting, terracing, trenches, ridges, agro-ecology, 800 2023-2032 RWB, MINAGRI regenerative agriculture and conservation agriculture. Support technologies for rainwater, grey and black water filtering and re-use at households and neighbourhood level. 800 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, RHA Promote rainwater harvesting at both private and public establishments and enhance their potential to mitigate floods and soil 1,500 2023-2032 RWB, MININFRA, MoE, RHA, Districts erosion. Promote individual and private sector investment in rainwater harvesting facilities for multiple uses. 1,000 2023-2032 PSF, RDB, RWB, MININFRA, MoE Develop a water research information communication and exchange strategy. 200 2023- 2028 RWB, MoE Strengthen water resources research capacity (human and institutional) of existing research institutes working on water-related 500 2023-2028 RWB, MoE, REMA, MINEMA issues. Organize forums and symposiums to sensitize higher official and higher calibre professionals and to encourage young professionals in 800 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, REMA, MINAFFET, MINEDUC research. Organize forums and workshops targeted at grassroot communities and civil servants where most of the information is needed. 300 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, MINALOC, MIFOTRA Study and establish an efficient and effective research information communication and exchange system. 150 2023-2032 RWB, MoE, RISA, MINEDUC Identify urgent and priority applied research needs. 150 2023- 2027 RWB, MoE Support the implementation of urgent programmes targeted applied research projects to address knowledge gap in terms of their 600 2023-2028 RWB, RDB, MoE, MINALOC, MINACOFIN, PSF priorities. Develop effective guidelines for stormwater management. 250 2023-2027 RWB, MoE, MININFRA, REMA RWB, MoE, MININFRA, RHA, LMA, MINEDUC, CoK, Develop master plan for stormwater management. 1,500 2023-2032 RTDA Sub-total 1 501,880 B. Water supply Estimated budget Policy actions (water supply) Timeline Responsibility (millions Rwf) Accelerate the implementation of projects identified under master plan and district WASH investment plans through fund mobilization MININFRA, MINECOFIN, WASAC Group, DPs, LODA, CoK, 619,000 2023-2032 from Government and development partners to ensure full access to water supply infrastructure and services. Districts Strengthen regular M&E to ensure effective implementation of water supply programmes and projects. 300 2023-2032 MININFRA, WASAC GROUP, LODA, Districts, DPs Mobilize private investment for bulk water production to ensure private sector engagement through PPPs. 200 2023-2032 MININFRA, RDB, MINECOFIN, WASAC Group Implement climate-resilient water supply projects and programmes that have been identified. 40,000 2023-2032 MININFRA, MINECOFIN, WASAC Group, FONERWA, DPs Continue to implement non-revenue water reduction strategy under WASAC Group 1,500 2023-2032 WASAC Group, MININFRA, MINALOC, DPs Strengthen and build district capacities in terms of planning, coordination and monitoring of water supply infrastructure development, MININFRA, WASAC Group, RURA, CoK, LODA, Districts, 200 2023-2032 supported by the WASAC Group DPs Strengthen district WASH boards to carry out overall coordination at district level and ensure that water supply performance 270 2023-2032 WASAC Group, MININFRA, DISTRICTS, CoK, DPs indicators are incorporated into district performance contracts. Involve district WASH boards and water user associations/committees in the oversight arrangements to represent consumer 500 2023-2032 RURA, WASAC Group, MININFRA, Districts, CoK, DPs interests and user rights. Develop, disseminate and continuously update harmonized designs, implementation manual and related guidelines for district water 450 2023-2032 WASAC Group, MININFRA, MINALOC, DPs, Districts, CoK supply systems development Actively encourage the construction of private connections at the planning stage and consider one-off subsidies to make connection 200 2023-2032 WASAC Group, MININFRA, DPs, Districts, CoK costs affordable. Review policies regarding new connections and consider a social connection to the poor and vulnerable. 50 2023-2028 WASAC Group, RURA, MINIFRA Strengthen the management of water supply systems countrywide in partnership with private sector, where the WASAC Group will 400 2023-2032 MININFRA, WASAC Group, MINECOFIN be responsible for overall management of water supply systems WASAC Group as contracting authority will conduct regular financial and technical audits for the improvement of service delivery. 500 2023-2032 WASAC Group, RURA, MININFRA 36 National Water and Sanitation Policy Estimated budget Policy actions (water supply) Timeline Responsibility (millions Rwf) Ensure O&M of boreholes and hand-pumps to improve service delivery to communities. Elaboration of a water and sanitation law. 500 60 2023-2032 2024-2025 lWASAC Group, DPs, MINALOC, LODA, Districts MININFRA, WASAC Group, RURA, RWB Implement and monitor WASH sectoral coordination programmes and projects by SWAp framework. 500 2023-2032 MININFRA, WASAC Group, DPs MININFRA, WASAC Group, Districts, MINALOC, MoH, Strengthen performance measurement framework through the existing WASH MIS. 1,400 2023-2032 MINEDUC, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), CoK, DPs Strengthen monitoring and information systems to capture key information on operational performance, quality of service delivery, contract status and achievement of performance targets, cost recovery and the condition of key assets. The systems should be web- 200 2023-2032 RURA, WASAC Group based to make the information accessible from different locations. Develop water safety plans for water quality surveillance system for water supply. 900 2023-2032 RURA, WASAC Group, MoH Strengthen regulation of private water service providers and ensure adequate field monitoring and follow-up by regulator through 480 2023-2032 RURA, WASAC Group, CoK, Districts licensing, monitoring of water supply tariff. Set tariffs taking into account both O&M costs and affordability considerations. 120 2023- 2032 RURA, WASAC Group, MININFRA Regulate water sales prices at kiosks and public standpipes. 50 2023-2026 RURA, WASAC Group, MININFRA Define specific exemptions to be offered for extremely poor or vulnerable households, based on guidance from concerned 50 2023-2025 MINALOC, RURA, WASAC Group, MININFRA institutions. The cost for this free service will be compensated by other consumer categories. The Government, through WASAC Group to establish funding mechanism and allocate budget for scheme rehabilitation, repairs, 1,608 2023-2032 WASAC Group, MININFRA, MINECOFIN, DPs upgrades and extensions. WASAC Group, MININFRA, MINEDUC, MoH, MINALOC, Collaborate with MINEDUC and MoH and other sectors to undertake an assessment of water supply and demand. 150 2023-2025 DPs Ensure inclusive public water supply infrastructure facilities that meet norms and standards in busy public places such as markets, 200 2023-2025 WASAC Group, MININFRA, MINALOC, CoK, DPs car parks and local administrative offices. Sub-total 2 669,788 C. Sanitation Estimated budget Policy actions (sanitation) Timeline Responsibility (Millions Rwf) Implement community-based environmental health promotion programmes (CBEHPPs). 1,300 2023-2032 MoH, MINALOC, CoK, Districts, DPs Develop, evaluate and provide support for adequate technical sanitation solutions. 800 2023-2032 WASAC Group, DPS, CoK, Districts Conduct awareness campaigns related to visible and non-visible health impacts of poor sanitation and behaviour change. 500 2023-2032 MoH, MINALOC, CoK, Districts, DPs Marketing the adequate sanitation offer (supply side), targeting people’s expectations and preferences such as comfort, status, health 100 2023-2032 CoK, MININFRA, Districts, DPs benefits, value or safety. Provision of incentives or targeted subsidies for some selected materials to support poor and vulnerable households to accelerate 300 2023-2032 MINALOC, WASAC Group, CoK, Districts, DPs the improvement, construction or replacement of sanitary facilities. Attract external investment into water and sanitation including bilateral, multilateral and other international cooperation funding 50 2023-2032 MININFRA, WASAC Group, PSF, CoK, Districts, DPs frameworks. Foster enabling conditions for the involvement of the private sector. 120 2023-2026 MININFRA, WASAC Group, PSF, CoK, Districts, DPs Prioritize waterless excreta disposal solutions in households without water connections. 80 2023-2032 MINALOC, WASAC Group, MININFRA, CoK, Districts, DPs Hold practical demonstrations, construct sanitary showrooms, disseminate knowledge, scale up efforts and hold sanitation marts at MININFRA, WASAC Group, MINALOC, PSF, CoK, Districts, 2,000 2023-2032 the district level. DPs Construct inclusive public toilets meeting norms and standards in health facilities and schools. T 6,000 2023-2032 MININFRA, WASAC Group, MINEDUC, MoH, MINALOC, CoK, Districts, DPs 38 National Water and Sanitation Policy Estimated budget Policy actions (sanitation) Timeline Responsibility (Millions Rwf) MININFRA, WASAC Group, MINALOC, PSF, CoK, Districts, Construct public toilets in business centres and shopping malls that are accessible and visible for everyone. 3,000 2023-2032 DPs Develop an effective regulatory framework for sewer and non-sewer sanitation systems. 150 2023-2032 RURA, MININFRA, WASAC Group MoH, MININFRA, MINECOFIN, WASAC Group, CoK, Promote viable, low-cost approaches for sanitation services (sewer and non-sewer). 100 2023-2032 Districts, DPs Establish a cost-recovery framework for sanitation services. 120 2023-2032 RURA, MININFRA, WASAC Group, MINALOC, CoK Construct collective sewer networks in urban areas. 250,000 2023-2032 WASAC Group, CoK, MININFRA WASAC Group, CoK, MININFRA, Districts, MINALOC, Construct sewage treatment facilities (wastewater and faecal sludge treatment plants). 120,000 2023-2032 MININFRA, DPs Prioritize minimization of solid waste and the enhancement of solid waste management. 1,000 2023-2032 CoK, Districts, WASAC Group, MININFRA, DPs Facilitate solid waste collection and transportation, recycle and reuse. 44,000 2023-2032 CoK, Districts, WASAC Group MININFRA, DPs Construct appropriate waste disposal and management facilities. 144,000 2023-2032 WASAC Group, CoK, Districts, DPs Develop a national e-waste management strategy. 300 2023-2025 MINICT, RISA, MINICOM, DPs Develop legislative instruments for e-waste collection and management taking into account the waste management hierarchy MINICT, MINICOM, LODA, PSF, RDB, CoK, Districts, 80 2022-2032 approach. REMA Sensitize and encourage private sector engagement in transforming e-waste into business opportunities under the circular economy MINICT, MINICOM, RURA, MINPIP, RISA, RDB, REMA, 100 2023- 2025 principle. DPs MINICT, MINICOM, MINECOFIN, PSF, RDB, MINPIP, CoK, Establish e-waste management facilities to ensure proper collection, transportation, dismantling, disposal and recycling of e-waste. 50,000 2022-2032 Districts, DPs MINICT, MINICOM, MINEDUC, Rwanda Polytechnic, Raise public awareness of sustainable management of e-waste and to adopt e-waste management. 70 2023-2032 University of Rwanda, RTB, CoK, Districts, DPs Industrial waste treatment facilities will be established at industrial premises by the developers/operators of industrial parks. 450 2023-2030 MINICOM, PSF, MoE, REMA, RSB Enforce industrial effluent standards and legislation instruments for discharge into a public sewer and the environment. 90 2023-2025 REMA, RSB, MoH, MINICOM, CoK, Districts Develop a national industrial waste management and pollution prevention strategy. 300 2023- 2025 MINICOM, MoE, MINIFRA, WASAC Group, REMA, DPs Promote circular economy principles through private sector engagement. 200 2023-2032 MINICOM, MoE, REMA, PSF, RDB, DPs MINICOM, MoE, REMA, WASAC Group, PSF, MINEDUC, Support research and innovation to develop new technologies and methodologies for industrial waste and pollution management. 300 2023-2032 DPs MININFRA, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), RURA, Develop a national strategy for the management of radioactive/nuclear waste. 300 2023-2032 MoE, REMA, DPs MININFRA, RAEB, REMA, WASAC Group, RURA, MoE, Develop legislative instruments for the safe management of nuclear and radioactive waste. 300 2023-2032 DPs MININFRA, RAEB, REMA, WASAC Group, RURA, MoE, Establish radioactive/ nuclear waste management facilities. 7,000 2023-2032 DPs Develop a national healthcare waste management strategy. 300 2023-2027 MoH, RBC Establish healthcare waste management facilities. 50,000 2022-2032 MoH, RBC, MININFRA, WASAC Group Develop legislative instruments for healthcare waste management. 50 2023-2032 MoH, RBC, CoK, Districts, PSF, DPS Sub-total 3 683,460 Total Indicative Budget 1,855,128 40 National Water and Sanitation Policy CONTACT US: Toll Free 4287 +250788387125 info@mininfra.gov.rw 42