Works to construct dykes worth Rwf3 billion for conserving Lake Muhazi and protecting its downstream area from devastating floods are complete, according to the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB). The barrage was built to control the outflow of the water from the lake so as to, among others, permit sustainable food production around the lake, ensure sustainable water supply for agriculture and domestic use in addition ramping up a growing fisheries sector. The new Muhazi dyke is 6.5 meters high and has a crest elevation of 1,437.5 meters. Davis Bugingo, the Flood Management and Water Storage Development Division Manager at RWB told Doing Business that the new dyke could also curb a certain percentage of flooding that usually ravages the Nyabugogo commercial hub located in the lake’s downstream zone, in Kigali city. The lake empties into River Nyabugogo, which flows southwards to Kigali and meets River Nyabarongo. The water flowing out of Lake Muhazi usually triggered floods due to lack of retaining walls, Bugingo explained. “The dyke to hold back and control water outflow from the lake will ensure water is available to users as water levels will not reduce. Users include farmers who need water for irrigation, domestic water supplies, and the cage fishing community,” he said. Lake Muhazi, a long thin shallow lake, is one of the 31 lakes in Eastern Province. The Lake is fed by 870 square kilometers of watershed and spans over about 38 square kilometers. The new dyke replaces an old one constructed in 1999 when it was observed that the lake was drying due to uncontrolled outlet. Attempts to fix the dyke problems were made since 2013, usually by use of sandbags. A feasibility study carried out in 2019 showed that the cost and difficulties involved in the rehabilitation of the old dam were higher than building a new dyke downstream. If the water level does not lower, fish farmers with cages in Lake Muhazi stand to benefit. Otherwise, Bugingo noted, fishing cages as well as the pipes that pump irrigation water could hang in the air if water levels, for instance, reduced by one metre. In such a situation, he added, even the fish could die. “Sugar cane plantations and other crops in floodplains downstream could also be saved from flooding.” Conserving Muhazi for tourism Tourism enthusiasts in the past pointed at the untapped potential of Lake Muhazi, which straddles five Districts across two Provinces and the City of Kigali. The lake straddles the borders of Rwamagana, Kayonza and Gatsibo districts in Eastern Province, Gicumbi District in Northern Province and Gasabo District in City of Kigali. The lake and its environs teem with latent tourism potential, experts say. The lake and areas in its vicinity hold a place of historical importance. Legend has it that the founder of ancient Rwanda kingdom, King Gihanga Ngomijana, fell from the sky and settled in Gasabo, near Lake Muhazi. It is believed that that is where Rwanda started from. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the lake is known for its large population of spotted-necked otters, fish and birds. Over the years, several hospitality and entertainment venues sprung up in areas around the lake. The Government wants to promote the area as a key destination. There is a plan to develop a wide-range of products and services in the area. Planned investments – under the Rwanda Sustainable Tourism master plan – include an amusement park, beach facilities and water sports, a nightclub and casino, a five-star hotel, guest houses, an animal orphanage and a medical centre.
