Interfaith Body Partnership with LWF and Global Nutrition Company Provides Clean Water to Thousands in Rwanda

A community water project inaugurated in Rwanda’s eastern district of Kirehe, offers a new model of cooperation between religious communities and public and private sectors in pursuit of human development and peace. “This is a historic milestone for interfaith cooperation and public and private partnerships in Africa,” remarked Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and president of the Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA) at the project’s inauguration on 19 March 2008. The IFAPA project will bring safe, clean, drinking water to up to 21,600 people in the vicinity of Gatore in Kirehe district. Nestlé SA, provided financial and technical support for the project. The LWF Department for World Service (DWS) program in Rwanda coordinates the implementation of the project, which is managed by the Inter-Faith Commission of Rwanda. A local water users’ committee, which includes representatives from all major religious communities in the area, oversees the day-to-day administration. Rwanda’s Minister for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Mr Bikoro Munyanganizi, highlighted the need for commitment, partnership and good management of resources, as he officially inaugurated the project together with Noko and Mr Niels Christiansen, Global Vice President of Public Affairs for the Nestlé group. “The provision of clean drinking water to such a large number of people fits clearly within Nestlé’s fundamental aim of making investments that have lasting benefits to society,” said Christiansen. He expressed his appreciation for the partnership “in this critical venture to create sustainable water solutions for communities in Africa.” Image source: farm2.static.flickr.com. > Continue.

Message received by Covalence | Country: Rwanda | Company: Nestlé | Source: Lutheran World Federation News | Correspondent: Barthélémy Kilosh, FULDEP