In a bid to promote Green Villages and conserve environment, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) in partnership with Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) implemented a project of harvesting rain water from social houses for green agricultural uses in Mahama sector of Kirehe District, Eastern Province.  

Agricultural activities done in Green Houses use harvested water from more than one hundred (100) houses, collected in a 200m³ tank which feeds Green Houses via other tanks; all built in the Project’s framework.

Beneficiaries of the Project who have membership in “MUMAFACO” Cooperative said that they no longer depend on seasons to carry out their activities as water harvested & kept in built tanks never dry.

“We used to practice high-costing traditional agriculture and get low produce. As the changes brought by the project, we are practicing modern agriculture in Green Houses. The project also helped us to boost produce and overcome environment destruction”. Said Zacharie SEKAMANA, a beneficiary of the project.

Hazards causing water became a catalyzer of development

Before the Project implemented by Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) in partnership with Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), local authorities said that water from social houses in Mahama used to cause risks including floods to neighborhood.

“The project solved heavy problems to the citizens. In rainy seasons water from social houses used to cause erosion and demolish houses. Citizens are now safe as water is harvested for home & agricultural uses mostly for horticulture.”  Said Ildephonse NIZEYIMANA, Agronomist of Mahama Sector.

To sustain the Project, beneficiaries use got profits to expand activities. Apart from two Green Houses built by the Project, they intend to build another one by themselves.