19th October 2023: In accordance with its mandate as the authority responsible for the management of water resources at both the national and catchment levels in Rwanda, as stipulated in the Water Law No. 49/2018 enacted on August 13, 2018, several key provisions within the law emphasize the establishment of catchment committees. Specifically, articles number 8, 14, and 20 outline the legal framework for this process.

Recently, the Rwanda Water Resources Board played a pivotal role in hosting a significant event within this context: the establishment meeting of the Mukungwa catchment committee.

This meeting resulted in the formation of essential committees, including the management committee and the technical support committee. Moreover, an action plan was drafted to prioritize critical initiatives and projects within the catchment area. These outcomes represent important steps towards effective water resource management and conservation in Rwanda.

This meeting which was held in Musanze District, brought together participants from the Districts of Mukungwa Catchment namely Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Gakenke, Gicumbi and Burera.

In his opening remarks, the Head of the Department of Knowledge and Forecasting Hub, at Rwanda Water Resources Board Mr. Musana reminded the participants that Mukungwa catchment attracts national priority as per 7 years’ government programme/National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) 2017-2024 which requested the development of a project to manage water flows from the volcano region and other rivers to mitigate related disasters and improve water resource management.

The members of Mukungwa Catchment committee elected management committee and technical support committee. The Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development in Nyabihu District, Habanabakize Jean Claude, emerged as the chairperson while the Acting Mayor of Gakenke District, Niyonsenga Aime Francois assumed the role of Vice chairperson.

Akirimari Daniel was appointed as the Secretary and the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Burera District, Nizeyimana Daniel, the Environmental Officer in Musanze District, Wishavura Marie Grace emerged as Coordinator and vice coordinator respectively.

The elected chairperson of Mukungwa Catchment Committee, Habanabakize Jean Claude, urged his colleagues to work together for the betterment of their catchment area.

“You have seen the disasters that broke out in May, our catchment was severely affected. As committee members, we are the ones to work together and plan ahead to mitigate these disasters.” said Habanabakize Jean Claude

The elected committee will serve for a renewable term of two years.

The participants also identified the key areas that need much attention in developing Mukungwa catchment plan.