The African Development Bank (AfDB) mobilized $138 million (subsidy and loan) for the construction of the Ruzizi III hydropower dam serving Burundi, Rwanda and DR Congo.

With a capacity of 147 MW, the plant, still under the project, will have a 220 Kv transmission line extending over 8.3 Km and connecting it to the Kamanyola power dispatch centre.

This additional capacity will help boost the electric power of member states of the Economic Community of Great Lake Nations. Its completion will allow Burundi to double its power capacity and Rwanda to increase its own by 50%.

“Sustainable regional infrastructure is a necessity element for strong regional integration and key to successfully tackling today’s most challenging climate-related problems. The Ruzizi III Hydropower Plant Project is central to AfDB’s strategic vision for the development of African energy sector through the promotion of universal access to low-carbon and inclusive modern energy,” Alex Rugamaba, director of energy, environment and climate change department said.

Gwladys Johnson