As Rwanda strives to attain universal water supply, Nyabarongo River is channeling more water to our residences and businesses than ever before. The river most of us take for granted is the primary source of domestic, commercial, and industrial water supply in Kigali and other parts of the country.
Over the years, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization led to an acute water shortage problem. Facing this challenge, we turned to Nyabarongo River.
Launched in 2021, the Kigali Bulk Water Project is milking an additional 40 million liters of water per day from Akagera River, formed after the merger of Nyabarongo and Kanyaru rivers. This is equivalent to one-third of Kigali’s previously supplied volume. In addition, more water treatment plants are under construction, and existing ones are being upgraded in response to the ever-rising demand for water. These include Kanyonyomba and Nzove plants. As we invest in these projects, we request Nyabarongo to give more.
Nyabarongo flows across all five provinces of Rwanda, sustaining rich riverine biodiversity along the way. The beginning of its course is the confluence of Mbirurume and Mwogo rivers. The former flows from the heart of Nyungwe Forest, while the latter's source is traced on the eastern edge of the same forest. When the two rivers merge to form Nyabarongo, its course glides northwards for about 85 kilometers. Along the way, it forms the boundary line between the Western Province and the Southern Province.
At some point, northern Rwanda’s elevated terrain forces the river to drift towards the southeast. Then it flows for approximately 12 kilometers before taking a more southern direction. This stretch borders the Northern Province and the Southern Province.
Farther downstream, it separates the Southern Province from the City of Kigali. After bypassing the capital, it serves as the boundary line between the City of Kigali and the Eastern Province.
The partitioning of Rwanda’s five provinces was made easy by the extensive course of Nyabarongo River. From the sky, the river looks like a snake gliding from the southwest to the east, dragging its body around breathtaking hills. In Bugesera, Nyabarongo joins forces with Kanyaru River to form Akagera River. Akagera in turn, flows to Lake Rweru, located at the border with Burundi. Apart from Akagera, Ruvubu River pours into Lake Rweru, which is connected to Lake Victoria by Kagera River.
Nyabarongo is the longest river in Rwanda. You are likely to see it whenever you travel within the Land of 1,000 Hills. The last time I left Kigali, I crossed this river twice before arriving at my destination.
Nyabarongo is part of a network of rivers that form the upper headwaters of the Nile, the main source of fresh water in Sudan and Egypt. The Nile played a significant role in the development of Ancient Egypt and world civilization. To date, it remains the source of life in the Egyptian communities.
Back in Rwanda, Nyabarongo runs through history and folklore. It supports wildlife and dispenses the water we desperately need. Furthermore, it waters our crops and powers our hydroelectricity plants. From its source to its mouth and beyond, Nyabarongo never stops giving.