The Nyabarongo II multi-purpose dam is expected to significantly boost Kigali's water supply, with plans to make approximately 450 million litres of water available daily from the project, potentially easing the capital's persistent water shortages.
The development comes as construction of the 43.5-megawatt dam reaches 78.5 per cent completion, according to the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), a subsidiary of Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
Theoneste Higaniro, EDCL's Director of Generation and Transmission, told The New Times that the project is designed to provide water at a rate of 5.4 cubic metres per second, which he said would help meet Kigali's long-term needs.
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"The water will be enough to satisfy Kigali city in the long term," Higaniro said.
The anticipated increase could provide substantial relief to residents and businesses struggling with intermittent water supply, particularly in rapidly expanding parts of the capital.
According to WASAC Group, Kigali currently requires approximately 210,000 cubic metres of water daily, against a production capacity of about 145,000 cubic metres. This leaves a daily shortfall of roughly 65,000 cubic metres, equivalent to 65 million litres.
The water expected from Nyabarongo II could therefore make a significant contribution towards closing this gap, although the volume ultimately delivered to consumers will depend on the infrastructure available to treat and distribute it.
Major boost to electricity generation
Beyond water supply, Nyabarongo II is expected to strengthen Rwanda&039;s electricity generation capacity.
Once operational, the 43.5-megawatt plant will become the country's largest hydropower facility by installed capacity, surpassing the 28-megawatt Nyabarongo I plant.
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Unlike Nyabarongo I, which operates as a run-of-river hydropower facility, Nyabarongo II incorporates a large dam and reservoir, allowing water to be stored and regulated for electricity generation and other uses.
Higaniro said the government had introduced modifications to the project valued at approximately $30 million (about Rwf40 billion).
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, according to earlier projections by REG.
Flood control and irrigation benefits
The dam is also expected to play a significant role in flood mitigation and agricultural development, particularly in downstream areas that have experienced recurrent flooding.
Higaniro said the project would help regulate the flow of the Nyabarongo River, reducing flood risks while providing water for irrigation.
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"It will curb flooding that was devastating the area around Ruliba brick factory, and farmers in wetlands extending towards Akanyaru and Rusumo will benefit, as we will be releasing water for irrigating 18,000 hectares," he said.
A major component of the development is an artificial lake expected to be larger than Lake Muhazi.
The planned reservoir will stretch approximately 67 kilometres across five districts: Gakenke, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyabihu and Ngororero.
Covering an estimated 30 square kilometres, the lake will have a storage capacity of more than 800 million cubic metres of water.
The dam itself is designed to stand 59 metres high.
Besides supporting water supply, electricity generation and irrigation, the reservoir is expected to create opportunities for tourism, recreation and inland water transport.
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The project could also contribute to the expansion of renewable energy generation.
On July 9, 2026, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva told Parliament that the Nyabarongo II reservoir was planned to host floating solar panels with a potential generation capacity of 200 megawatts.
Nearly 1,000 jobs created
The project has also generated employment opportunities for local communities, with nearly 1,000 people engaged in construction activities.
For some workers, the wages earned at the site have helped improve their livelihoods and strengthen their financial security.
"I have joined two savings associations. I save Rwf4,000 in each savings association," said Beni Imanishimwe, one of the workers.
Another worker, Manassesh Dushimimana, said the income from the project had enabled him to complete construction work on his house.
"The house had no doors or windows. It has been fixed now," he said.
Rwf70 billion earmarked for resettlement
The project's development also involves the relocation of communities living in areas affected by the dam and its reservoir.
At least 3,400 households are expected to be affected by expropriation to make way for the project.
The government has earmarked at least Rwf70 billion to compensate and resettle affected families, including payments to property owners and support for relocation.
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In 2020, Rwanda and China signed a framework agreement under which the Export-Import Bank of China would provide a concessional loan of $214 million to support construction of Nyabarongo II.
Chinese engineering company Sinohydro was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve multiple purposes, combining water supply, electricity generation, agricultural irrigation and flood protection in one of Rwanda's largest infrastructure developments.