Water

2020

Per capita water consumption stands at 18.8 litres per person per day. The routine Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of a relatively aging water infrastructure has managed to deliver potable water to PoC with minimum interruptions. There is consistent water quality testing, analysis and monitoring to verify provision of potable water. The lack of back-up system implied the deployment of water trucks in event of interruption in water supply especially in Nyabiheke.

There is overactivity of electro-mechanical equipment across all camps in a relatively hot weather that requires clear back-up plans. The water supply at Kiziba, Mugombwa remained within the standards (above 20.0 l/p/d). In Gihembe, the water was increased from the midi year from 15.2 l/p/d closer to the standards 19.3 L/p/d as a result of collaboration with national water authority (WASAC) on prioritising the camp while rationing. The rehabilitation works for the Kiziba water supply system have resulted in increased water supply of 21.4 l/p/d. Upgrades to existing water supply systems at Kigeme and Mugombwa has remarkably enhanced system reliability with average supplies of 16 l/p/d and 24 l/p/d respectively in additional to the water supplied to institutions.

The strong operations continuity planning (OCP) by partners in all camps resulted in continuity of water supply activities throughout all GOR coronavirus restrictions. Support to water supply system for health facilities was undertaken to meet WHO SARI treatment facility guidelines. To reduce energy costs associated with water supply and system reliability, connection of water pumping station to national power grid was initiated in Nyabiheke.

Increased water demand is observed during dry season for use at kitchen gardens watering at all camps. GOR COVID-19 restrictions limited UNHCR and partner presence in the field, which affected regular monitoring practices, construction activites undertaken by external contractors and delivery times of essential equipment (eg water pumps, generators, control panels). Nyabiheke, Gihembe and Kiziba camps water designs require substantial remodelling - the current design was adopted from an emergency system. There is low community ownership of the facilities manifested as vandalism. More concerted community mobilization is required but deferred in the current pandemic times.