What Will Residents of Gakenke Gain from the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Project?

What Will Residents of Gakenke Gain from the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Project?

By Libos Ndayishimiye

As the construction of the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant continues along the Nyabarongo River on the border of Rwanda’s Northern Province (Gakenke District) and Southern Province (Kamonyi District) the Rwandan government emphasizes that local residents, especially in Gakenke, will benefit significantly from this major national infrastructure project.

Access to Electricity and Improved Agriculture

The Nyabarongo II power plant will generate 43.5 megawatts of electricity using three turbines, each with a capacity of 14.5 MW.

Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, highlighted that beyond power generation, the project will transform agriculture and livelihoods:

“We will not only supply electricity, but we are also planning to irrigate over 20,000 hectares of farmland using water from this dam.” He said

This means that Gakenke residents will benefit from increased agricultural productivity and food security thanks to improved irrigation systems.

Job Creation and Tourism Opportunities

During the construction phase, many local residents from Gakenke are expected to find employment whether in construction, supply chains, or support services bringing immediate economic benefits to the area.

Once operational, the water reservoir is also expected to support tourism, aquaculture, and water transportation, creating new income-generating opportunities for the community.

Flood Control and Water Management

Another major benefit is flood prevention. The dam will regulate river flow, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rains, and ensure a steady water supply in dry seasons especially crucial for farmers living near the riverbanks.

Compensation and Relocation

In Gakenke’s Muhondo Sector, where part of the dam is located, some households are being relocated. To ensure fairness and minimize disruption, the government has allocated RWF 70 billion (approx. $57 million USD) for compensation and resettlement.

Dr. Gasore assured that the relocation process is being handled with dignity and full respect for the affected families’ rights.

The Nyabarongo II project represents a transformative investment for Gakenke District boosting energy access, enhancing agriculture, creating jobs, supporting environmental sustainability, and increasing disaster resilience.

Dr. Gasore encouraged citizens to stay informed and involved as the project progresses and to take advantage of the upcoming social and economic opportunities.