Around 3,000 people living near the Nyabarongo II hydropower site are expected to relocate, leaving room for a reservoir near the multipurpose dam, officials announced on Friday, November 21. Nyabarongo II, under construction between Kamonyi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, in Northern and Southern provinces, is Rwanda’s newest hydroelectric project.

The relocation process will be carried out in phases. The affected families are expected to move to new sites prepared and provided by the government, minister of infrastructure Jimmy Gasore said as Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva visited the construction site on Friday.

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The hydropower project is now 57 percent complete and is expected to be fully operational by December 2027, officials said.

In September, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) announced that the government allocated approximately Rwf70 billion in compensation for property owners affected by the construction of the dam.

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Once finished, the dam will generate 43.5 megawatts of electricity and support several national development priorities, including irrigating over 20,000 hectares of farmland, providing clean water, reducing downstream flooding, and enabling potential water transport activities.

"As the country develops, the demand for electricity increases. The hydroelectric power plant will help meet this demand, but it cannot supply the entire country. However, it will operate 24 hours a day, unlike solar and methane systems that we usually rely on,” said Gasore.

"Regarding the citizens we are asking to relocate, there is still much work ahead, as a lake stretching over 67 kilometers must be created from the dam site to Vunga and Shyira sectors in Nyabihu District, in Western Province.”

"Rwanda’s growing economy requires more electricity, hydropower is important for our energy mix, but we will still rely on solar, methane and other sources to operate,” Gasore said.

Beyond energy production, authorities highlighted the US$214 million project’s contribution to water security.

"During rainy seasons, existing filtration systems often struggle with heavy sediment, while dry seasons bring shortages as water levels drop. The Nyabarongo II reservoir is expected to stabilise water availability throughout the year, reduce the use of chemicals in water treatment and ensure more reliable supply for Kigali and surrounding areas,” he said.

The new dam "will give us consistent water” that is easier to treat, significantly supporting Kigali’s needs even in the dry months, said Gasore, adding that the irrigation water from the reservoir will boost agriculture and support communities downstream.

Officials are also exploring the possibility of integrating solar systems within the broader energy plan for the site.

Regarding the upcoming relocation, authorities said preparations are underway to ensure that affected area residents are moved to designated locations with proper housing and services. The affected areas include six districts: Rulindo, Gakenke, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Muhanga, and Kamonyi.

As construction continues, the government is running a parallel project to expand electricity distribution so that communities near the dam benefit from improved access to power once the facility is operational.