Rusumo Border, Ngara, Tanzania – 21 June, 2019: Rwanda Minister of Infrastructure Honorable 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 progress of the construction works.

It was part of the agenda for the second extra ordinary council of Minster’s meeting that was put in place to monitor the implementation of this paramount project meant to add 27W to each of these member countries.

Ministers visited different project components including the main Power Plant intake and tunnels constructions at the Rusumo border between Tanzania and Rwanda and the power house and switchyard located on Rwanda side. The project cost is US 340 million under the support of the World Bank and African Development Bank will contribute USD 113towards the completion of the entire project. The project is at 47% currently and expected to be completed in 2021.

The Council of Ministers Meeting appreciated the progress logged so far and insisted that Contractors should speed up the construction works in order to complete the Project as planned.

Hon. Claver Gatete said the progress was impressive, compared to how it was the last time they visited the project in February 2019. “We have seen a tremendous progress, works on the dam, tunnel and powerhouse are on track as the electro-mechanical activities are going to commence in July,209.” Minister clarified”. Though the project experienced various issues, but there are set guidelines by three ministers to solve these issues and proceed vividly. For Rwandan case, this is among the mega projects in pipeline that will contribute to 100 percent electricity target by 2024. Conversely, within three years, other expected projects include the, 80MW peat power, 55 MW methane gas power, and, Rusizi III power connected to the national grid. Additionally, private sector is encouraged to invest in off-grid power sources so as to accelerate 2024 access to electricity target.

The Project currently employs 294 Rwandans, 268 Tanzanians and more than 100 Burundians casual laborers, many of them from the neighboring districts. The Tanzania Minister for Energy Dr Medard Kalemani said they urged the contractors to increase the labor force, and to “work day and night” so the countries meet the deadline, and they will again meet after a few months to assess the progress. “This project is an example of good partnership by the three East African countries,” as stressed by Minister Kalemani of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The project will be environmental friendly and, will improve its socio-economic benefits. It will produce, 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.