Since 2021, the City of Kigali, Rwanda has implemented an ambitious initiative to expand access to clean water, lower household water costs, and strengthen waste management and hygiene in the neighborhoods of Busanza and Mpazi. The program constructed rainwater reservoirs to reduce dependence on costly piped water and installed smart waste stations designed to enhance neighborhood cleanliness, minimize exposure to pests and other public health risks, and improve the efficiency of waste collection. Community members have been trained in rainwater harvesting, waste segregation, and sensor technology, fostering local ownership and long-term sustainability.
Our global team of evaluators and subject matter experts in the fields of public health and water, sanitation, and hygiene is evaluating the project using a mixed-methods approach—combining household surveys, analysis of water bills, key informant interviews, and stories of change—to assess the program’s impact on water access, affordability, cleanliness, public health, and sustainable waste management practices.