Kayonza farmers demand second reservoir after flood losses

Farmers in Kayonza District are calling for the construction of a second reservoir after floods destroyed 40 tonnes of rice in the Gacaca wetland in Murundi Sector last year. The farmers say the flooding is linked to an incomplete government project that initially planned two reservoirs but delivered only one. More than 1,900 farmers, organised under the Dutere Imbere Murundi Cooperative, cultivate over 300 hectares of developed land. Another section had been earmarked for the second reservoir, which was never built.Anastase Nkomeje, the cooperative’s president, said the wetland was developed under the RSSP project, which included plans for two reservoirs. “They never built the second reservoir. When water levels rise, it flows into the area where the reservoir was supposed to be, flooding our fields. Last year alone, 40 hectares of rice were destroyed,” he said. Nkomeje added that the situation worsens during dry periods, when the absence of the reservoir leaves farmers without sufficient irrigation. “We urge leaders to construct the second reservoir at Karuruma to regulate water flow and protect our crops,” he said.Seraphine Nyiranzabonimana, a farmer from Macuba Village in Murundi Cell, said excess water from the unutilised reservoir site continues to damage crops. “Out of the four rice plots I had, two were washed away,” she said. “I encourage farmers to embrace crop insurance. Without the payout I received, this season would have been very difficult.” Kayonza District acting mayor Fred Hategekimana acknowledged the challenge, noting that expanding the wetland infrastructure is key to stabilising production. “In collaboration with the KIIWP project, we have completed a feasibility study for the second reservoir. If all goes according to plan, construction will begin next month, alongside efforts to expand the cultivable area,” he said. Established in 2013, the Dutere Imbere Murundi Cooperative brings together 1,914 farmers cultivating about 330 hectares of rice, with an average seasonal output of 1,800 tonnes.The cooperative also runs a social support scheme, using proceeds from rice sales to pay school fees for members’ children before distributing remaining earnings to parents. The Gacaca marshland, located in Murundi Sector, spans a 26-kilometre stretch from Ryamanyoni to Karambi cells. It is a key rice-growing area fed by Gacaca water springs, but remains vulnerable to flooding and water shortages due to incomplete infrastructure.

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Kayonza farmers demand second reservoir after flood losses