Addressing Waste Challenges and Creating Green Jobs in Rusizi District
Rusizi District is taking significant steps to tackle its growing waste management issues, with the construction of a faecal sludge treatment plant and a modern landfill set to bring substantial benefits. These projects are expected to generate up to 1,200 green jobs annually, according to Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba. The initiative aims to address the increasing waste generated due to rapid population growth and urbanization, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
Understanding Faecal Sludge and Its Impact
Faecal sludge refers to a mixture of human waste such as faeces and urine, along with water used for flushing, toilet paper, sanitary products, and other solid waste. In a district like Rusizi, which is one of Rwanda’s rapidly growing secondary cities, managing this type of waste has become a critical challenge. The new facilities are designed to process both toilet waste and solid refuse, transforming them into useful products like fertilizers and reusable materials.
The landfill, located in Ruhimbi Village, Ruganda Cell, Kamembe Sector, over 20 kilometers from Rusizi town, will be equipped with infrastructure to handle these waste streams. According to Sindayiheba, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for between 800 and 1,200 people each year. This not only addresses the issue of waste but also contributes to local economic development.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Robert Bimenyimana, Spokesperson for the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group), emphasized that the government has secured funding for the project, which is estimated to cost Rwf 2.3 billion. WASAC Group is responsible for managing both wastewater and solid waste nationally. While districts are in charge of collecting and transporting solid waste, WASAC provides technical support in landfill operations in partnership with the private sector.
Rusizi District has allocated approximately six hectares of land for the project. Once completed, expected by March 2026, the facility will be operated by a private company, jointly overseen by WASAC and the district. The plant will also treat waste from neighboring districts and is designed to process up to 42 cubic meters of faecal sludge and 13 tonnes of solid waste per day. Non-biodegradable waste will be recycled into reusable materials, further enhancing the project’s sustainability.
Tackling Plastic Pollution in Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River
In addition to managing faecal and solid waste, local authorities are also focusing on reducing plastic pollution in Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River. Plastic bottles currently polluting these water bodies are being collected and repurposed into usable products. This initiative is crucial, as plastic pollution threatens aquatic biodiversity, reduces water quality, and disrupts the livelihoods of those who rely on fishing.
Moreover, plastic accumulation has affected the Ruzizi hydropower plant, located on the Ruzizi River at the Rwanda–DR Congo border. The influx of waste has caused clogging of turbines, leading to reduced electricity production and power outages across the region. By addressing this issue, the district is working to protect both the environment and energy infrastructure.
Harnessing Organic Waste for Sustainable Solutions
The government has also encouraged the private sector to utilize the 3,661 tonnes of organic waste generated daily across Rwanda. Most of this waste is food and plant-based matter, which can be transformed into useful products such as organic fertilizers. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), each Rwandan generates an average of 0.44 kilograms of waste daily, with 80 percent being organic.
By promoting the use of organic waste, the district is contributing to a circular economy, where waste is turned into valuable resources. This approach not only helps manage waste more effectively but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
The initiatives in Rusizi District represent a comprehensive approach to waste management, combining environmental protection, job creation, and sustainable resource utilization. Through the collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities, the district is setting a strong example for other regions facing similar challenges. As these projects come to fruition, they are expected to have a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the local economy.
