Rwanda has introduced a digital payment system for water use permits, starting in August, the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) announced. The new system aims to streamline the application process for water use permits, which are required for activities such as irrigation, construction in water bodies, and fish farming.
Vital Munyandinda, RWB’s Water Use Permit Division Manager, said the system allows applicants to pay fees using digital cards and mobile money through the IREMBO portal, eliminating the need to queue at banks. Each permit costs Rwf35,000.
To date, 1,014 permits have been issued. Rwanda plans to expand IREMBO to include about 400 additional services, including forest management, livestock movement permits, and various regulatory licenses.
The digital platform is designed to offer transparency and ease in transaction tracking. Users will receive automated notifications throughout their permit application process.
Under Law N°49/2018, individuals using water without a permit face fines or imprisonment. In 2022, the RWB found that of approximately 2,200 major water users, only 696 had valid permits.
The new system is part of Rwanda’s broader effort to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water resource management.
