On March 29, 2025, The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) Eng. Richard Nyirishema, joined residents of Kigali Sector in Nyarugenge District for the monthly community work activity (Umuganda), held in the Rwesero Cell forest. 

The activity marked the conclusion of a week dedicated to celebrating the International Days of Water, Forests, and Meteorology. 

Participants engaged in erosion control efforts, including the rehabilitation of terraces as a key measure to protect the environment, and they also carried out forest cleaning activities by cutting overgrown bushes and pruning trees to promote a healthier forest ecosystem. 

Addressing the community, Nyirishema, who was the guest of honor, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of catchment preservation, aligning with the 2025 World Water Day theme: “Catchment Preservation.” 

“A catchment is a geographic area of land made up of hills, valleys, and slopes, where rainwater converges and collects before flowing into rivers, lakes, or other water bodies,” he explained. 

He emphasized that protecting these areas is essential for long-term water availability and reducing water-related disasters. 

“When rainwater is not well managed as it flows down hills, it causes serious problems such as erosion and flooding. That’s why catchment protection is the key,” he added.

The participation of RWB in such conservation efforts reflects its core mandate and ongoing commitment to ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in Rwanda.