Prime Minister Bernard Makuza yesterday held talks with Jean Philippe Prosper, the Director of International Finance Corporation (IFC) for East and Southern Africa, about the extraction of methane gas in Lake Kivu.

IFC is the financing arm of the World Bank Group that supports private sector ventures and projects in developing countries, in various domains.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the meeting, Makuza said that Prosper was briefed about the roadmap towards extraction of methane gas.

"He said that IFC will support the extraction 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity from methane gas by the year 2014,” Makuza said.

The Premier added that they also discussed other areas IFC supports, especially education, banking, and energy.

"Initially, they were supposed to deliver 100 MW, but due to delays in extraction, we finally agreed with them to, at least, produce 50 MW which they have promised to do,” he asserted.

Makuza pointed out that that the methane gas extraction will reduce power shortages in the country.

Prosper emphasised that IFC will fulfil its commitments, including producing the 50 MW of electricity from methane gas by 2014.

"We are committed to make sure that our ventures are implemented,” Prosper emphasised, adding that he was impressed by Rwanda development process adding that the country is a role model for African states.

Makuza commended IFC for its continued support towards the development of the country.

Ends