UNICEF commissioned a consultant team comprised of Hydro Nova and WE Consult to map the groundwater and find out more about how and where to set up new water supplies in the region. The assignment used satellite technology to scan the earth and simulate fractured bedrock geology, developing a regional suitability map of groundwater development. A total of 72 potential sites were identified that could be developed into an additional water supply that could potentially serve over 200,000 people. In addition, the project identified 126 discrete areas across the region where government and water providers could focus their investment on building new water supply infrastructure. The groundwater potential maps, intelligence and procedures for sustainable groundwater development helps to set the stage for improved water access in Rwanda by providing an actionable step-by-step roadmap for expanding the country’s groundwater supply.
The study had three specific objectives:
1. To achieve an assessment and mapping of groundwater potential and vulnerability in the Eastern Province and Amayaga Region of the Southern Province.
2. To create an inventory of aquifers by location; geometric, lithological and stratigraphic characteristics;
3. To build the capacity of Rwanda Water Resources Board and key stakeholders on the use of geospatial approach to map groundwater.