Rwanda Water Resources Board: Large-Scale Projects Need Water Use Permit

• Individuals and organizations must obtain a water use permit from the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) to abstract water from natural sources.
• Permits are required for activities like irrigation exceeding one hectare, construction of infrastructure, industrial water use, and fish farming.
• Large-scale projects must also obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate and submit a feasibility study.
• Exemptions include small-scale irrigation covering less than one hectare, temporary construction works, and domestic use where individuals directly collect water from natural sources.

Permits help keep water abstraction within sustainable limits while balancing environmental, social and economic needs.

To address rising water demand during the dry season, the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) has implemented a system of permits for various activities that abstract water from natural sources. These include irrigation exceeding one hectare, construction of infrastructure like dams and ports, industrial water use, and fish farming. According to Vital Munyandinda, Manager of the Water Permits Division at RWB, specific supporting documents are required for different activities, such as feasibility studies for domestic, agricultural, and community water supply projects, or hydrological reports for industries and mining operations. RWB assesses applications based on factors like water availability and quality, quantity requested, completeness of documentation, and potential impact on other users, the environment, and public safety.

Large-scale projects, including irrigation schemes covering more than 10 hectares, dams, hydropower plants, ports, and gas extraction ventures, must obtain a water use permit and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate. Additionally, specific supporting documents are required for different activities, such as fish farming projects needing approval from the relevant fisheries authority or pond-based fish farms requiring hydrological reports. On the other hand, small-scale irrigation covering less than one hectare, temporary construction works like road projects, and domestic use where individuals directly collect water from natural sources without using a water service provider are exempt from permit requirements.

Permits help keep water abstraction within sustainable limits while balancing environmental, social and economic needs. Without permitting, water resources could be overexploited, leading to reduced water availability for downstream communities and other users, shortages for priority needs like domestic supply, degradation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, and increased conflicts over water. Permit holders also gain legal recognition, protection in case of disputes, avoidance of penalties for unauthorized use, and recognition in water allocation plans.

Lawyers advising clients on large-scale projects in Rwanda should note that a water use permit is required for activities such as irrigation exceeding one hectare, construction of infrastructure like dams and ports, and industrial water use. Permit holders must also comply with conditions and submit regular reports to avoid penalties.

Source: Original reporting via Rwanda Water Resources Board