Rusumo Border, Kirehe Rwanda - Ngara, Tanzania – 4 February, 2019: Rwanda Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Claver Gatete and his counterparts Minister for Energy of Burundi, Hon. Eng. Come Manirakiza and Tanzania Minister for Energy Hon Dr Medard Kalemani visited the 80 MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project (RRFHP) to assess the Power Plant construction progress.

The Ministers visited different project components including the main Power Plant intake constructions located at the Rusumo border between Tanzania and Rwanda, the switchyard located on Rwanda side and the workers' camp located in Tanzania at 5km from the Rusumo Border.

During the visit, Ministers for three countries realized that civil contractor has progressed in civil works on Tanzania side such as at the power intake; the spillway, sediment extractor, intake pass, downstream guiding walls, the power house excavation, installation of second batching and a temporary excavation of sheet pile. The construction of the headrace tunnels and inlet chambers are progressing well. Switchyard works include the residential area for permanent houses and the temporary camp site, the power house and RPCL (Rusumo Power Company Ltd) residential area are also advancing properly.

Moreover, the Project has so far employed about 231 Rwandans, 254 Tanzanians and 81 Burundians; majority of casual labourers are from the neighbouring districts. The Project has established a workers’ camp at 5km from Rusumo Border in Tanzania that provides casual labourers with the best living environment after work. During construction, the Project observe environmental social health safety measures for a conducive atmosphere during working time and after work.

The site visited was followed by the 9th Council of Ministers (CoM) Meeting for the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project held at the Rusumo One Stop Border Post, Ngara District, Tanzania.

Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda noted the improvement in community engagement referring to community complaints during the previous Ministerial site visits.

The CoM urged Project to double efforts in community engagement and environmental and social safeguards, ensure employment opportunities for casual labourers from member states among other milestones to achieve the operationalisation of the 80MW Power Plant by February 2020.

The Regional Rusumo Hydropower project will benefit a total of 1,146,000 people in the three countries; 5.4% (520,000) in Burundi, 4% (467,000) in Rwanda and 0.34% (159,000) in Tanzania. Improved access to renewable clean energy will substitute thermal generation and lead to an increase in economic activity as well as private sector development in areas such as agriculture and related processing, water supply, health, education, commerce and tourism.

This project will lead to an increase in economic activity, improved access to renewable clean energy will have positive effects on the environment, while the relatively inexpensive electricity will contribute to foreign exchange savings and improved balance of payments since the power generated will replace imported petroleum products.      

The RRFHP is recognized by the three energy-strapped beneficiary countries as a good buy that will improve its socio-economic benefits. Once operational, the project will bring 80 MW of renewable, clean, relatively low-cost power to the national grids of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, shared equally, with each country receiving an additional 26.6 Megawatts.