KIGALI - A Chinese government funded clean water project was completed and handed over on Monday to residents in western and northern Rwanda.

The project sees 58 new boreholes constructed with a grant of $1.5 million from the Chinese government, expected to benefit over 7700 households.

Speaking at the inauguration of the boreholes in Musanze district in northern Rwanda, Rwanda's Minister of Natural Resources Vincent Biruta called on districts and residents to guard the water infrastructure jealously.

Stressing the importance of water to health, the minister pointed to boreholes as other major sources of potable water.

Biruta explained that the boreholes were constructed after research showed abundance of underground water in northern and western provinces of the country.

He added that 22 local technicians were trained and equipped to maintain the boreholes in case repair is needed.

The minister commended the cooperation between Rwanda and Chinese governments which enabled the implementation of the project to benefit Rwandans in some of the areas with water shortages.

The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Shen Yongxiang, expressed China's readiness to maintain technical and other forms of cooperation with Rwanda.

"Sometimes we call water the source of life. This source of water will be the source of our friendship and this friendship will develop further and further," the ambassador said.

After the inauguration, the ministry handed the boreholes to district representatives who were tasked to ensure their maintenance.

Clementine Iradukunda, a resident of Musanze district, said maintaining hygiene in her family was a big challenge due to water shortages.

"I have been walking long distance to reach the nearest stream water source which affected hygiene and work. But this will be no more with this pure water," she said.