Apr. 21, 2011 -- A water supply project in the Rwandan capital city of Kigali is being developed to meet the growing water needs of the city, which has a population of approximately one million.
Mott MacDonald has been appointed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) to provide technical support for the development, preparation and structuring of the sustainable and bankable water supply transaction. Implementation of the project is proposed to be undertaken through a public, private partnership arrangement (PPP).
The current water coverage rate in the city is 76% and is mainly through public stand pipes. Only 30% of customers have household or yard connections. Many have to fetch their water either from ponds, wells or lakes around their dwelling areas.
The project is being developed in two phases. Mott MacDonald will undertake technical due diligence activities in Phase 1, including a detailed technical assessment which also involves environmental and social scoping of the project. Phase 2 will take forward the structuring of the project and Mott MacDonald will provide support to IFC in developing the PPP requirements of the project. The consultancy will also assist IFC throughout the tender process as technical consultant.
Paul Turner Mott MacDonald's project director said, "We are delighted to be working on such an important project for the country. Good access to water supply and awareness of sanitation reduces the threat from water-related diseases and reduces the burden of water carrying which particularly affects women and children."
He added, "Mott MacDonald has a wealth of experience in delivering water projects in Africa and around the world. We were recently appointed to carry out multi country preparation studies for investments in the African water sector. The studies are taking place across Burundi, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia."
The project is due for completion by December 2011.
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