- The Burundi project anticipates the operation of a run-of-river power station by 2025, with a capacity of 1.65 MW.
- This power station will contribute 6.5GWh of renewable electricity annually to the Gitega provincial grid.
The African Water Facility (AWF) has approved approximately US $2 million in funding for the “Development of Water Resources and the Ruvyironza Multipurpose Dam” project in Burundi. The funds will address critical challenges in water, food, and energy security in the country.
Burundi faces challenges in energy security, with low access to electricity and high production costs, as well as inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. By addressing these issues, the project aligns with the Burundian government’s initiatives to improve essential services and advance sustainable development.
The project’s key objectives include conducting feasibility studies on various hydraulic, agricultural, and hydroelectric infrastructures, particularly the Ruvyironza dam. The project anticipates the operation of a run-of-river power station by 2025, with a capacity of 1.65 megawatts (MW).
This power station will contribute 6.5 gigawatts (GWh) of renewable electricity annually to the Gitega provincial grid, benefiting approximately 20,000 Burundians and reducing CO2 emissions by 3,200 tonnes per year. This project, scheduled to last two years, aims to improve water, sanitation, and irrigation infrastructure, benefiting 270,000 rural households in provinces facing water shortages.
It also seeks to establish an irrigated area spanning over 14,674 hectares alongside efforts to rehabilitate degraded upstream watersheds. Overall, they expect the project to positively impact 681,546 people, focusing on gender equality by ensuring that 50 per cent of beneficiaries are women.
Furthermore, the project aims to generate 244 jobs during its preparation phase and create between 5,000 and 7,200 jobs during downstream investments, thereby contributing to local employment opportunities and economic development.