Abstract:
The final year project titled “Design of Reinforced Concrete Water Storage Tank” addresses
the pressing water shortage issue in Busasamana Sector, Nyanza District. This region
currently suffers from inadequate and poorly maintained water storage facilities, which result
in long travel distances and elevated costs for water procurement. The existing tanks are
undersized and often exhibit unpleasant odors, underscoring the urgent need for a more
effective solution.
This project aims to identify the requirements for a new water storage tank, define the
necessary capacity for the system, conduct an economic analysis of the proposed tank, and
design a reinforced concrete water storage structure to replace or supplement the outdated
tanks in Busasamana Sector.
The research methodology involved engaging with local residents and experts in reinforced
concrete water storage design through interviews, as well as conducting site visits by
engineering students to collect data and assess current conditions.
Analysis of surveys and data revealed a critical need for a new reinforced concrete water
storage tank in Busasamana Sector. Currently, residents must travel 1-2 km and spend
approximately two hours to collect water, incurring a cost of 70 RWF for just 20 liters. The
study determined that a tank with a capacity of 2009m³ is essential to meet the daily water
demands of the sector's population, which totals 50,661 people.
The project successfully met its objectives by assessing the requirements, specifying the
necessary capacity, performing an economic evaluation, and designing the water storage tank.
The proposed reinforced concrete structure has the potential to significantly alleviate the
water shortage issue in Busasamana Sector, enhancing access to clean water while reducing
both travel time and associated costs for residents.
It is recommended that the design for the 2009m³ reinforced concrete water storage tank be
implemented to ensure a reliable water supply and improve the overall quality of life for the
residents of Busasamana Sector.
