Mpazi and Busanza are two newly upgraded informal settlements in Kigali, Rwanda.
The city is improving the living standards of 1,405 households by providing circular, nature-based and tech-enabled solutions for waste collection and access to affordable water.
Following the resettlement of residents, these were experiencing increasing challenges to pay for commercially provided water. Solid waste management was also poor in the area.
Construction is taking place to adapt the homes to harvest rainwater as an alternative source of water. The houses now have smart solid waste collection stations to improve hygiene conditions and make the service more efficient.
The project provides residents of the two recently transformed neighborhoods with an alternative affordable water source by harvesting rainwater and connecting it for home use. It also improves the neighborhood’s sanitation by establishing smart waste collection stations for green and resilient treatment.
First, the city has conducted feasibility studies to transform the existing buildings.
After that:
Monthly water bills are reduced by a half of what was previously paid. Residents make a more rational use of water
The harvesting system is ready to collect rainwater during storms, storing it and preventing floods
The smart waste containers improves the disposal mechanism, reduces littering and the presence of insects
Sensors alert on real-time bins fill levels alerts collectors without delay
“Each day at the site, I’m not just building a water reservoir; I’m building hope for me and my family”
Beatrice Iradukunda - from cleaner to skilled worker
"When life seemed unbearable, I chose not to give up. My children needed me, and I knew I had to find a way to support them. I found hope in this project”
Epiphanie Munganyinka - from unemployed to small business owner
In August 2025, UNDP SDG Local Action released a new publication titled “Innovating on waste management and water harvesting in cities: a case study on the city of Kigali, Rwanda”, which documents the city’s circular and community-led model for improving sanitation and water access in informal urban settlements.
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