A HOME-BASED investment company has expressed interest in developing a hydro-power plant at Akanyaru River to help the country’s quest to increase energy production. The Dallas Investment Group project, which is still in its initial stage, has received warm welcome from both Rwanda and neighbouring Burundi, two countries that could benefit from the investment once executed.Results of preliminary studies have put the cost of investment to develop the plant at around $18 million (about Rwf11.7 billion). The hydro-power plant could generate between five and 15 megawatts once completed, according to Immy Kayitare Kamarade, the Dallas Investment Group founder and managing director. The investment group are importers and exporters of goods and services.A welcome moveThe Minister for Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, and Burundi’s Minister for Mines and Energy Côme Manirakiza on Friday visited the proposed site for the construction of the hydropower in Nyagisozi Sector, Nyaruguru District, at the border of both countries. Akanyaru River serves as the natural border between Rwanda and Burundi.Both the ministers expressed support for the project and vowed to support its implementation as, they said, it could benefit the population of both countries.Kamanzi said both governments support private investments in the field of energy production. “Governments, in both countries, will continue to work with the investor to determine how the project could be very beneficial to both our population and ways of averting any possible challenges that could hinder the implementation of the project,” Kamanzi said after touring the site. Burundi’s Manirakiza said: “This is a wonderful project that we welcome. If executed, it can help us boost our electricity sources. We have been faced with the lack of energy to support our development.” Need to boost energy productionIt is not yet clear when the construction works will kick-start, but once started the plant would take three years to complete.Feasibility studies are currently ongoing and could pave way for the construction activities once completed, officials said. Rwanda plans to progressively tap 200MW from peat, 310MW from geothermal, 320MW from hydro power, and 300MW from methane gas, among others. The country currently produces 110.8MW which equals to 16 per cent in terms of domestic accessibility.
