The City of Kigali has  unveiled 15 hydrological stations designed to monitor flood levels within the capital.

Launched on October 31st, 2023, in celebration of World Cities Day, this infrastructure will provide timely and accurate data to better comprehend the factors contributing to flood risk in Kigali, allowing for more effective planning.

Remy Norbert Duhuze,  the Water Monitoring and Quality Control Division Manager at the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), explained the operational details of these flood monitors.

According to Mr. Duhuze, the monitors are responsible for collecting vital data on water levels and flow in rivers. Equipped with wave sensors and strategically positioned near rivers, they effectively communicate fluctuations in water levels.

Moreover, these flood monitors are equipped with SIM cards, enabling the automatic transmission of real-time data to a central database.

 “We receive the information in real-time on our server, allowing for swift action in the face of imminent flooding. This warning system will bolster our flood prediction capabilities.” Duhuze stated

He went on to highlight the potential of  flood monitors in supporting the city’s infrastructure development, particularly in the design and implementation of effective measures to mitigate the impacts of floods.

“With data on flood status, we can plan and construct essential infrastructure, such as drainages, flood-retention ponds, and culverts, to minimize the severity of floods,” Duhuze added.

The installation of these flood monitors is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the upcoming Kigali ‘Stormwater Management Master Plan,’ scheduled for completion in 2024. This plan represents a pivotal step in the city’s flood management strategy.

Rwanda records  99 hydrological stations including 5 which are still under construction in Volcano region.