MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide $2.5 million to rehabilitate basic services in Rwanda.
Following the massive repatriation of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Burundi in late 1996, the Government of Rwanda has appealed for assistance in rehabilitating war-torn areas. AusAID will provide the $2.5 million to World Vision Australia, Community Aid Abroad, CARE Australia and Caritas Australia. Projects being funded include:
- World Vision Australia - Kanzenze Water and Sanitation and Rehabilitation Project, Rwanda. Kanzenze schools will be restored and provided with water and latrines. Also, 50 households headed by a child will be assisted through a hygiene education program.
- Community Aid Abroad - Water Rehabilitation and Public Health Project, Rwanda. Communities will be assisted to improve their management of water schemes, hygiene education programs will be run and new water supplies will be constructed.
- CARE Australia - Integrated Water and Sanitation Project, Kibungo, Rwanda. Water supplies will be set up and communities will be trained in management skills aimed at ensuring they can operate and maintain the completed schemes.
- Caritas Australia - Health Infrastructure Project, Rwanda. Two health centres will be built and water will be extended to nearby schools.
The Government of Rwanda has said that without further help from donor countries, the Central African region faces renewed ethnic conflict flowing from tension over access to basic needs such as water. Australia recognises the importance of rebuilding infrastructure to support these shattered communities. Australian assistance to the region since the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda now amounts to $31.8 million.
Media contacts:
Judi Nixon (Mrs Sullivan's Office) 075 591 1011 or mobile 0411 287 258
Michelle Hardy (AusAID) 02 6206 4968