- Plastic waste clogging the turbines of the Ruzizi Hydroelectric Power Station has cut electricity production by 50%, leading to widespread power cuts in South Kivu and Burundi.
- The region faces severe economic disruption as businesses and households struggle with prolonged outages due to blocked turbines and a lack of alternative energy sources.
- Local authorities call for better waste management systems to prevent recurring incidents, as plastic waste from city drains continues to flow into Lake Kivu and affect power generation.
Plastic waste clogging the turbines of the Ruzizi Hydroelectric Power Station has slashed electricity production, leading to power cuts in South Kivu and neighbouring regions.
The Ruzizi plant, which supplies electricity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and nearby countries, faces significant disruption due to plastic waste buildup in Lake Kivu. Heavy rains wash garbage from the city’s drains into the lake, blocking turbines and disrupting operations.
The plant typically generates 20 megawatts (MW) of electricity. With two of its four turbines offline, output has dropped to 10 MW. The power reduction worsens outages across South Kivu, North Kivu, and parts of Burundi, intensifying the region’s energy struggles.
Teams Clear Waste Manually
Despite efforts to restore power, clearing the waste remains challenging. Workers manually remove debris, but progress remains slow and inefficient. Jovy Mulemangabo, director of the Société Nationale d’Electricité (Snel), stressed the need for a better waste management system to prevent future blockages.
“We need effective waste management to stop these recurring incidents,” Mulemangabo said. He warned that without proper infrastructure, the problem will persist.
Economic Strain from Power Cuts
Power cuts hit the local economy hard. Businesses and households struggle with extended outages, disrupting productivity and daily life. The region’s reliance on the Ruzizi plant worsens the impact of each outage, as few alternative energy sources exist.
Burundi, which also depends on electricity from the plant, struggles with worsening economic development due to power shortages. The outages disrupt both industrial and small businesses, slowing economic growth.
Plastic Waste Problem Escalates
This crisis highlights deeper environmental issues in the region. Plastic waste flows into rivers and lakes without proper collection systems, threatening energy production, the environment, and public health.
In 2023, the Ministry of the Environment prioritised waste management, but results have remained slow. Local leaders urge more significant investment in waste management infrastructure to stop future blockages at the power station.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
With energy demand rising, the Ruzizi plant’s problems signal the need for long-term solutions. Experts warn that frequent power outages will continue without a permanent fix to plastic waste issues, weakening the local economy further.
More excellent public investment or partnerships with the private sector could help fund crucial waste and energy projects. For now, residents and businesses in South Kivu, North Kivu, and Burundi must cope with reduced electricity and ongoing outages.