Analysis of Distribution and Availability of Drinking Water, in Kigali City of Rwanda

This study assessed the relationship between water production, distribution and its availability to consumers in Kigali city of Rwanda. The researcher applied the secondary data collected from the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASAC) Limited and Nzove Water treatment Plant. These data included water produced and distributed (supplied), and water received (consumed) by consumers. The results indicated that between 2014 and 2018, a total of 97,881,591 m 3 was supplied, 64,242,628 m 3 was billed (reached customers), which led to a loss of 33,638,963 m 3 . In addition, across six (6) branches fed by the Nzove WTP, 4,203 cases were recorded due to water inaccessibility, 5,339 cases resulted from water leakage and 7,146 cases were registered as request for information which also can be of water shortage. This was attributed to poor distribution system like old pipeline, damage of distribution system caused by ongoing construction and urbanization activities. Furthermore, the water loss prediction revealed that in 2018, the loss will increase from 65,760, 277 m 3 up to 147,960,624.5 m 3 in 2030. For successful water distribution, regular monitoring water accessibility among customers would help to ensure that the supplied water reaches its beneficiaries. In addition, involvement of the local community in managing the distribution system and efficient information exchange system for reporting supply related shortfalls would be useful in water management.