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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
The Nyabarongo River, Rwanda’s longest river, stretching 351 kilometers, is more than just a body of water. It is a lifeline for thousands, supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and communities nationwide. Flowing northward to join Lake Victoria in Uganda and ultimately the Nile River, the Nyabarongo plays a crucial environmental and economic role not only in Rwanda but also in the broader East African region. This vital waterway is under threat.
A Growing Menace: Illegal Mining and Toxic Wastewater
Across various parts of Rwanda, illegal mining operations have surged. These miners, working clandestinely and often in defiance of environmental laws, extract valuable minerals such as cassiterite, wolframite, and coltan. To process these minerals, they use water, releasing contaminated wastewater back into rivers, untreated and full of heavy metals, chemicals, and sediments.
The Kibirira River in Ngororero District, which feeds into Nyabarongo, is one of many waterways now tainted by these toxic flows. Further north, in the Masoro sector of Rulindo District, the Sanzari River has been clogged with sediment from mines in Rutongo, suffocating aquatic life and muddying the once-clear waters.
In Kamonyi District, illegal mining around the Rukoma sector, mainly by informal miners known as “Abahebyi,” has heavily polluted the Nyamagana River.
Locals like 52-year-old Sindayigaya from Ngamba sector lament the changes:
“Before the illegal miners came, the river was clean and vibrant. Now it’s murky and lifeless. The water smells bad, and it’s affecting our lives.”
Regulations Exist, But Enforcement Is Weak
Rwanda has strong environmental laws requiring mining companies to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and install wastewater treatment systems. These are backed by the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), whose legal framework mandates responsible mining and waste management practices. Rwanda Water Board.
Yet, enforcement remains a major challenge. Many small-scale and independent miners lack awareness, resources, or proper infrastructure to treat wastewater. Moreover, inadequate inspections and limited accountability have allowed illegal practices to thrive.
Environmental Consequences Mount
The environmental damage is widespread. Polluted water from mining has degraded water quality in Nyabarongo and its tributaries, threatening fish, plants, and wildlife. Soil fertility in nearby agricultural land has declined due to chemical-laden runoff, jeopardizing food security for farming communities.
A Call for Stronger Action
In response, government agencies and environmental groups are stepping up. Local officials are cracking down on unauthorized mining, conducting inspections, and urging better cooperation across districts.
The National Police, represented by ACP Boniface Rutikanga, has pledged to work closely with local authorities and the RMB to regulate informal miners and ensure they are properly registered with legal contracts. In the last two months alone, 60 cases of illegal mining were reported in Rwanda’s Southern Province, with some offenders now facing legal action.
Remy Norbert Duhuze of the Rwanda Water Resources Board emphasized ongoing inspections:
“We’ve identified many hotspots where pollution is severe. We’re conducting regular monitoring in collaboration with other institutions to protect our water systems.”
Meanwhile, Donat Nsengumuremyi from the RMB has urged miners to divert wastewater away from rivers and build containment dams to collect and treat polluted water.
Southern Province Governor Alice Kayitesi called for urgent solutions:
“We need immediate action to protect Nyabarongo. That includes expanding drainage systems, enforcing environmental laws, and improving collaboration between districts affected by illegal mining.” Governor said
Some Miners Are Stepping Up
While challenges persist, some licensed mining companies are embracing responsible practices. Elyne Mukankundiye, an environmental officer with ETS Karinda Valens, shared that her company uses modern sand-filtering systems and specially designed water pits to treat wastewater.
“We have properly set up modern channels for filtering sand, built in such a way that the water we use is directed into three specially designed pits (dams).” She shared
In Ngamba, miner Bigirimana Athanase transports sand to off-site processing areas to prevent polluted water from reaching Nyabarongo.
A National Concern, A Shared Responsibility
A recent study by the National Commission for Human Rights revealed that nearly half of Rwanda’s mines are polluting water sources. However, over 70% now have systems to manage waste, and 64.4% can treat and reuse wastewater. These findings prompted the Commission to call for stronger monitoring and enforcement to protect both the environment and the rights of those living near mining zones.
