Download the application form fill it and send it to info@rwb.rw

• Application form: English
• Application form: Kinyarwanda
• Guide - Uburyo bwo gusaba uruhushya
• Water use permitting guidelines

Rwanda water resources are under increasing pressure. We need to use them efficiently, effectively and wisely if we want to build a sustainable bright future for ourselves and upcoming generations. In order to do this, we need to know how much water is used, by whom, and where. Once we know this, we will be able to measure it against how much water is actually available for use. In some areas we will then find that there is still extra water that can be made available for use. In other areas we will find that there is already more water being used than the water resources can provide without considerable damage to the aquatic ecosystems.

The water Law n°49/2018 of 13/08/2018 Determining the Use and Management of Water Resources in Rwanda, gives the Rwanda Water Resources Board the tools to gather the information that we need for the optimal management of our water resources. The water permits system is one of these tools.

Why Water Permit?

• To manage water resources: To manage the water resources effectively and efficiently for optimal beneficial use of water for economic development of the country.
• To ensure fair share allocation: To be able to allocate water, the water resources managers must know both how much water is available, and how much is already being used.
• To protect the environment: water resources managers must ensure that water use is efficient, is well planned, and that pollution is reduced to a minimum. When allocating water resources for different uses, water resources managers have to make sure that water for environmental flow remains available.

Benefits of having a water permit

• Your water use promptly and correctly will improve your claim to lawful use established in accordance with water law and related regulations.
• You will not have to face prosecution for non-compliance.
• If you do not have a water permit you might lose your claim to use water.
• If you do not have a water permit, the water resources managers will not be aware of your use and your place (abstraction point) may be allocated to anyone because you are not known
• In case of shortage of water, you will have a priority over those who do not have a permit depending on priority order in water allocation.

How do I apply for?

• New Permit
• Renewal
• Modification of Permit
• Transfer of Permit

For each Application:

Step 1:Download the apllication form(English or Kinyarwanda)

Step 2:Fill in the application form

Step 3:Send it to info@rwb.rw

NOTE:You will be notified when RWB receives your application

The email address you use on the application will be used for any official communication between the Rwanda Water Resources Board and the Water User. So please use an email address you check frequently

Offences and Penalties

Any person who uses water or carries out a water-related activity without a water use permit as required. Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) months and not more than three (3) months. A fine of five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (FRW 500,000) or only one of these penalties.

• Application letter addressed to the Director General of Rwanda Water Resources Board through the Mayor of the District in which the activities will be carried out
• Identification of the applicant and any other necessary documents to enable easy understanding of the category and activities of the applicant
• A detailed and complete description of the project
• A certificate and a copy of the environmental impact assessment report for new project or environmental audit report for existing project certified by the competent institution where required
• The receipt for payment of application fee of thirty five thousand (35,000 Frw) at NBR, on account number 1000010924 or at BPR, on account number: 400374425010189 of FONERWA.

The use of water resources in different activities and installations susceptible to modify the flow or the level of water or to degrade their quality, or to threaten water related ecosystems, wetlands and the environment are subjected to water use permit.