Muvumba Multipurpose Dam in Nyagatare District is expected to help residents cope with drought by enabling them to irrigate their crops.
The dam, also called Muvumba Multipurpose Dam, began construction in 2022 and is expected to provide multiple benefits to the community through irrigation of 10,000 hectares of farmland, generation of 1,000 kilowatts of electricity, and the supply of 50,000 cubic meters of clean water per day.
Ndekezi Francois Xavier, Director at the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) and one of the officials monitoring the project on a daily basis, stated that the idea for the project started in 2013 but took time to secure funding and other resources. He said:
“This project was conceived long ago; experts continued to study it while seeking the necessary capacity. It is a large project expected to yield benefits in three ways: irrigating crops along a 200-kilometer stretch, irrigating 10,000 hectares, and providing 50,000 cubic meters of water per day to WASAC to distribute to residents, while also generating 1,000 kilowatts of electricity.”
He added that the project is well-planned and its objectives are achievable.
“It is a very important project. It will help address the recurring drought in this region. Irrigation will be strengthened as water availability increases. This will boost production, ensuring food self-sufficiency and increasing marketable produce. Another important aspect is the amount of water that will be supplied to residents for their daily use, which will improve their living conditions and enhance the benefits of this project.”
The project is also highly appreciated by the authorities of Nyagatare District, where it is being implemented, as it is expected to lift residents out of poverty and address water scarcity.
Matsiko Gonzague, in charge of economic development in Nyagatare District, said:
“We expect many benefits from the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam, where our farmers will have access to an irrigation network and will be able to cultivate crops throughout the year without fear of drought. Previously, irrigation was limited to areas near wetlands, but this project shows us that cultivated areas will expand and agriculture will advance. Extensive irrigation will also allow us to focus on cash crops for international markets.”
He also emphasized that all aspects of the project will benefit residents in various ways.
“Electricity will be generated, which we need as consumption increases. Water will be delivered to residents, which means access to sufficient water for our people’s daily lives. Overall, this project will create resources while improving access to essential services.”
The majority of the funding, amounting to €121.5 million, was provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as a loan, with €2.7 million contributed by the Rwandan government.
The project is expected to be completed by November 6 of this year, with initial irrigation planned for 3,000 hectares in the sectors of Rukomo, Nyagatare, Tabagwe, Karama, and Rwempasha.
Construction of the dam, covering more than 796 hectares in the sectors of Rukomo, Gatunda, and Karama in Nyagatare District, has reached 44.17% completion, and the project is expected to be completed at a cost of €124 million, equivalent to over RWF 211 billion.
