Constructing Akagera dam may delay, says expert

The move to construct a hydroelectricity power dam at Rusomo falls on Akagera River may delay as studies and consultations are still being carried out. “The construction of the proposed 60 megawatt hydroelectricity dam project is not a walkover project. We have just re- shelved the project that was over taken by events,” said Isah Nabide. He is the project manager Akagera transboundary integrated water resource management and development projects. “The site where the dam is to be built has not yet been identified,” he added. Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda are stakeholders in this multi-million dollar project to increase power production in the four East African countries. When drought hit the Great Lakes Region in 2004, the water levels in lakes and rivers dropped. Power production reduced leaving most cities in the region in darkness. Industries almost closes as escalating power costs became unbearable. Government moved in to avert the power crisis by developing a 20MW power plant at Jabana, Kigali City, which will use heavy fuel oils, another 10MW is being developed at Rukarara and the methane gas project on Lake Kivu. He said Rukarara and Jabana will soon be functional. Rwanda’s current power demand is 55MW. Some of this power is imported from Democratic Republic of Congo. Information from Electogaz indicates that the country faces 10MW deficit. But Milenge hastens to say: “With 55MW I think this is just enough power because we no longer ration power, and so many initiatives are in place to increase on production.” The Rusomo project is long term, therefore not a priority. Ends