Water is life as the saying goes, every one would hope for a cup of clean water to survive in Rwanda.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has joined Rwanda in the fight against dirty water and sanitation.

The agency committed $18m to the water project to two districts including Ngoma and Kirehe, upon completion year. This will cater for at least 55 residents in 11 sectors.

"The project will not only construct and rehabilite water facilities in these two districts, but will also help establish water management committees that will operate and maintain the facilities, while enhancing the capacity of district authorities to supervise water-based cooperatives," said

Ido Masaharu, the operations and maintenance specialist at JICA.

"We have already prepared at least 30 rightful people in their respective districts, with knowledge and skills so as to manage and maintain the water projects."

The week- long training focused on sustainability and management of water infrastructure among Rwandans. It targeted District Water Task Force (DWRF) and Water Service Providers (WSPs) at five water schemes in the two districts.

"The training was aimed to develop private organisations on operation and maintenance of water schemes. It is also about strengthening the institutional administrative system of private organisations to operate and maintain water facilities," he added.

According to the Director of Planning and Budget in Eastern Province, Boniface Nirenganya, the Province is working hard to ensure supply of clean water to all residents.

JICA partnered with Lake Victoria project and EWSA in order to achieve their goal of supplying at least 500 metres of water to people in rural from their respective homes and urban area to get it within 200 metres.

The JICA project is also designed to improve Water supply from 58.4 per cent to 72 per cent.