- AWF approves €2 million for the Proderer project in Burundi.
- The project aims to enhance water, food, and energy security.
The African Water Facility (AWF) has approved €2 million for the “Development of Water Resources and the Ruvyironza Multipurpose Dam” Proderer project in Burundi. The aim is to enhance water, food, and energy security across five provinces.
The project received a €2 million grant from the African Water Bank (AfDB) to bolster essential services in Burundi. In particular, water and electricity access.
Over two years, the Proderer project will focus on improving the storage capacity of hydraulic, agricultural, and hydroelectric infrastructures. These are in alignment with the Burundian government’s agenda.
Feasibility studies will precede developments, focusing on structures like the Ruvyironza dam in Gitega province. The run-of-river power station within the Ruvyironza dam will have a capacity of 1.65 MW.
They will benefit 20,000 Burundians and reduce CO2 emissions by 3,200 tonnes annually. The project aims to provide water, sanitation, and irrigation services to 270,000 rural households.
Also, it will establish a 14,674-hectare irrigated perimeter while rehabilitating upstream watersheds. It is expected to impact 681,546 individuals positively, including women, comprising 50% of beneficiaries, creating 244 jobs during the preparation phase and 5,000 to 7,200 jobs during downstream investments.
Burundi faces challenges in energy security, electricity access, essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services, making the Proderer project crucial for improving livelihoods and sustainability.