Rusumo Hydroelectric Plant to be operational by 2018

{Rusumo hydroelectric plant, a regional common development in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania project could be commissioned in late 2018 and early 2019, with a capacity of 80 megawatts, which will be shared equally between the three countries, IGIHE has learned.}

It was reveled on Wednsday in Bujumbura during a Press Conference on the occasion of the opening of the 17th meeting of energy ministers of the three countries on the Rusumo hydroelectric project.

An official from Burundi added that the ministerial meeting will be dominated by the establishment of a schedule of works for this project.

“After this schedule, we will finally open folders tender to select between the different companies that could intervene in the construction of the plant,” he has said.

As to the date of actual commencement of work, the Burundian minister said if there are no hazards, the construction of the plant could start in late 2015 and that the work would be spread over a period of three years.

The situation serving energy in this African region remains a topical issue where access to electricity in the three respective countries rate is below 20%.

Rusumo Falls are located on the Kagera on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania.

angedelavictoire@igihe.com