RUSUMO - The State Minister for Energy, Eng. Collette Ruhamya, has said that the construction of the proposed 90MW Rusumo hydro electric power plant will not affect the flow of the water and the environment.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions regarding concerns over possible reduction of the water flow at Akagera River upon construction of the plant.

"The construction of a hydro power plant is the most favorable, efficient and with no effects at all. The Rusumo plant won’t affect the environment and the flow of water,” said Ruhamya.

She added that Rwanda is keen on the project since it is expected to contribute a lot in increasing power accessibility in the region.

The plant will serve three countries; Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.

Meanwhile, addressing members of the civil society during the Nile Basin Discourse meeting, the minister emphasised the importance of in-depth community participation and engagement in all processes of development.

"Water is life and energy is the pillar of economic development. To achieve our sole goal of sustainable economic development, we need to join efforts at national, regional and global levels. Sharing a resource like the Nile has been so unique,” she noted. 

A Canadian consultant firm was recently hired to carry out a detailed assessment to determine how the construction of Rusumo hydroelectric plant would affect the neighbourhood.

5,600 households on the Rwandan side are likely to be expropriated and resettled in other places to facilitate the construction.

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