Netherlands boosts Rwanda’s water resource management with Rwf36.2BN

The Kingdom   of the Netherlands has supported Rwanda’s efforts to boost water resource management   with two financing agreements worth Rwf 36.2 billion grant, Amb. Claver Gatete, Rwanda’s Minister   of Finance has said

The two financing will go towards Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) that will receive RwF 27 billion( $ 34.9 million) and  the second Netherlands Initiative for Capacity Building in Higher Education (NICHE 2)  that  will be  funded   with RwF 8 billion( worth € 10 million).

Accordingly, Integrated Water Resource Management Program will focus on securing and providing water of adequate quantity and quality for all social and economic needs of the present and future generations with the full participation of all stakeholders in decisions affecting its management.

While, “NICHE2 will support development objectives in education sector by providing necessary required skills in education and training by institutions such as applied research,” Gatete noted

“We expect to develop, implement and maintain quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs and practical skills training that deliver graduates that respond to the needs of farmers……,”  he added

Leoni Cuelenaere, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands says that capacity  building in  higher institutions-NICHE 2 will  belter collaboration  between   Rwanda stakeholders  and Dutch  knowledge  institutions  as well as acting  as bridge between  institutions and individuals.

“They will, in the medium term, open up opportunities for increased investment in Water Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Economic development” Amb. Cuelenaere said

There is optimism that  based on  the Netherlands’s   experience  in   fighting water  problems, the  financing will   help  Rwanda to  address  water challenges  that are due to its  terrain – hilly  that  has  seen  a need for water management.

“The Netherlands can mobilize Knowledge Institutions, Firms, and individuals who will work closely with Rwandan stakeholders in the Ministries of Natural Resources, of Agriculture, and of Infrastructure, but also at district level, and even with private Firms,” She added.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is supporting Rwanda with an envelope of around US$ 230 Million in Private Sector Development, Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector, Decentralization and Governance and water & sanitation as a silent partner.