In the heart of Bugesera district, Rwanda, meaningful progress is unfolding.
Project Waterfall is supporting our delivery partner WaterAid to carry out the Flowing Futures project in Rwanda, and we are building more than infrastructure. We are supporting long-term, sustainable change through improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Bringing clean water closer
Access to safe water is fundamental, yet for many communities in Bugesera, it has long been out of reach. Families have historically relied on contaminated lake water or paid high prices for unsafe alternatives.
That is now changing.
Over the past year, 17 kilometres of pipeline have been installed across Musenyi, connecting some of the most remote communities. One village, Gitagata, is already benefiting, with clean water now reaching 3,117 community members and 1,402 school students.
With further pipeline extensions underway, the project is on track to reach up to 30,000 people. This is a significant step towards reliable, affordable access to safe water.
Improving sanitation in schools and communities
Clean water is only part of the picture. Without safe sanitation, communities remain vulnerable to preventable diseases, and many women and girls face challenges managing their periods with dignity.
To address this, construction is ongoing across six schools, where new toilet blocks and menstrual hygiene management facilities are being built. Once complete, these will provide safe sanitation for thousands of students, alongside dedicated spaces for girls to manage their periods with privacy and confidence.
Beyond schools, local masons have been trained in best practice construction, enabling the development of model household toilets. Through community-led savings groups, families are also gaining access to financial support to invest in improved sanitation at home, ensuring that change extends beyond public spaces and into everyday life.
Strengthening community leadership
Sustainability is at the core of the Flowing Futures project.
That’s why local leadership and ownership are central to every stage. This year, 104 members of Water User Committees have been trained to manage and maintain new water systems, ensuring they remain functional long into the future.
At the same time, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are empowering communities financially, which supports households in investing in water connections, toilets, and hygiene improvements through accessible loans and collective savings.
These systems are helping to build resilience, independence, and long-term impact.
Driving behaviour change through hygiene education
Infrastructure alone is not enough; lasting change comes from knowledge and behaviour.
Across Bugesera, hygiene promotion is creating a ripple effect.
• 1,500 students have been trained through school hygiene clubs, becoming champions of good practice
• 6,050 community members have been reached through training sessions and household visits
• Local leaders and health workers are equipped to continue sharing vital hygiene messages
From handwashing to safe water storage, these practices are helping to reduce the spread of disease and improve overall community health.
Real lives, real impact
Behind every statistic is a story.
For Jean Damascene, a water kiosk operator in Gitagata, access to clean water has transformed daily life. Where children once spent hours collecting water, sometimes returning late at night, they can now attend school on time, clean and ready to learn.
For Pauline, a member of a local savings group, access to financial support enabled her to bring water directly to her home. Today, she not only has reliable access to water, but also greater financial stability and improved quality of life.
These are just two examples of how access to WASH is unlocking opportunity, dignity, and hope.
What’s next
As the project moves into its final phase, the focus is on completing critical infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Next steps include:
Extending the water network to reach tens of thousands more people
Installing prepaid water meters and training local operators
Completing sanitation facilities in schools and communities
Expanding hygiene education and strengthening local systems
Together, these efforts will ensure that the impact of Flowing Futures continues far beyond the project timeline.
A shared impact
This progress is only possible because of a collective effort from local communities and delivery partners, to supporters around the world.
Every initiative, every contribution, and every cup of coffee poured during fundraising efforts helps bring clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene to communities that need it most.
And as Bugesera continues to transform, one thing is clear: where water flows, opportunity grows.
If you’re interested in making an impact, email us at hello@projectwaterfall.org.