KIGALI - THE visiting World Bank Vice President in charge of operations policy and country services, Joachim Von Amsberg has described the growth of Rwanda’s energy sector as impressive with a lot of potential to grow further.

After touring projects financed by the bank in Jabana and Birembo, Von Amsberg who is on a three-day working visit, said he was pleased to see how thermal power projects are being implemented by the government of Rwanda.

The Jabana Power Plant in Gasabo District generates 20 MW serving most parts of Kigali city while Birembo in the Eastern Province generates 15 MW. 

"Power is critical for a county’s economic development and it is very impressive to see the way the government is handling the sector. The World Bank will continue helping and facilitating this sector,” Amsberg said.
"It is also impressive to see the way energy is being integrated in the region”.

Coletha Ruhamya, the State Minister for Energy and Water, said the World Bank has so far injected over $20 million in the energy sector with 9 m Euros being spent on Jabana power plant.

Statistics indicate that though the energy rollout in Rwanda is still very low compared to other Sub-Saharan countries, the projects that are currently underway will ensure that access to energy increases to at least 35% by 2020.

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