Communities devastated by flooding along the Mukungwa River in the Northern and Western Provinces in May 2023 could find relief in a $300 million (Rwf382 billion) initiative set to commence implementation soon, The New Times has learnt.

ALSO READ: Over 650 households displaced by River Mukungwa floods to be relocated

Mukungwa River, a tributary of the Nyabrongo River, ultimately feeds into Lake Victoria, the Nile River, and the Mediterranean Sea. With heavy rains expected from March to May, the regions under threat are preparing for potential disaster, according to the Rwanda Meteorology Agency.

Rainfall ranging between 700 and 800 millimetres is expected in Musanze and Nyabihu districts, northern and western parts of Gakenke and Burera, northeastern parts of Rubavu.

"This project aims to deploy various measures to mitigate flooding along the Mukungwa River. We will begin with interventions in the upstream catchment, including flood detention structures to reduce peak flow throughout the river system and its tributaries," Davis Bugingo, Manager of the Flood Management and Water Storage Division at the Rwanda Water Resources Board explained.

ALSO READ: Govt to identify ‘disaster hotspots’ ahead of three-month heavy rains

To kickstart the project, comprehensive studies will be conducted across the Volcano and Vunga Region to develop detailed designs outlining the necessary measures, their locations, mitigation strategies, and associated costs.

Among the proposed interventions are catchment restoration structures like detention ponds, the expansion of road crossings, riverbank fortifications, sediment management, large detention dykes, and protection of river buffer zones.

ALSO READ: Mukungwa River floods ravage Gakenke rice farms

Bugingo emphasized that while the initial study outlines certain activities, adjustments or additional measures may arise as the project progresses.

Dubbed the "Volcanoes Community Resilience Project (VRP)," this endeavor receives support from the World Bank and involves collaboration with various government institutions, including REMA, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Forestry Authority, and others, all coordinated by the Ministry of Environment.

The overarching goal of the project is to enhance climate resilience, mitigate flood risks, and enhance natural resource management and tourism assets within Rwanda's volcano region.

ALSO READ: New measures mitigate flood disasters in Virunga mountains

With an investment period spanning five years, the total financing required exceeds $300 million, drawing support from partners such as the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Nordic Development Fund (NDF), and Climate Green Fund.

Bugingo noted that specific sections of the Mukungwa River will benefit from ecological measures, integrating eco-tourism initiatives spearheaded by REMA.