Challenge Extended
In Rwanda, freedom of religion is a constitutional right, but in 2024, the government shut down 9,800 “houses of prayer” to address safety and sanitation concerns. Many of these places of worship, including the Murwa Parish Church in Rwanda’s Jarama Sector, were at risk of closure due to not meeting local building codes including lack of proper sanitation. For Murwa Parish, part of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), their saving grace came in the form of a 10,000-liter rainwater harvesting system.
Before the system was installed, cleanliness was a constant challenge for Murwa Parish. Choir members were responsible for bringing water for cleaning, but it often led to conflicts when someone failed to fulfill their duties, and the church was left dusty and welcoming. Many in the community relied on water from the nearby Lake Sake, which was contaminated and required a long one-hour round trip on foot to collect. Alternative sources, such as tap water, were too expensive – one jerry costs about 300 Rwandan Francs (roughly $0.25 USD).
Challenge Accepted
When World Relief installed a 20 Liters Rainwater Harvesting System, everything changed. The benefits of the system go far beyond cleanliness and hygiene. The harvested rainwater provides safe drinking water for the church, its members and two neighboring families. This has significantly reduced the time and effort spent collecting water, improving the overall health of the community. The system is even connected to a handwashing station, helping the church comply with Rwanda’s hygiene regulations, which mandates churches to maintain sanitation facilities. Charlotte, a leader at Murwa Parish, shares, “The system has greatly benefited our community. People now fetch water from the tank, saving time and easing the burden on the choir members. Relationships have improved, and the church is cleaner and more welcoming.”
A hub of health and hope.
With a congregation of 200, Murwa Parish has become a hub of health and hope in the region. “May Almighty God bless World Relief, 20 Liters and all their staff for their commitment to protecting Jarama Sector from waterborne diseases,” says Charlotte. “Your efforts have transformed our church and community. People are healthier and praising God with gratitude. Truly, we now have good souls in healthy bodies.”
The Rainwater Harvesting System at Murwa Parish illustrates the profound and far-reaching impact of clean water. The system is not just a source of water; it’s a source of life – improving health, fostering harmony and empowering the community. In a country where access to clean water is still a challenge for many, this system stands as a powerful example of how simple, sustainable solutions can create lasting change.
