The Ruvyironza Multipurpose Dam Project is a strategic water resources development for Burundi, aimed at addressing critical energy deficits, food insecurity, and water scarcity. Located on the Ruvyironza River, it is designed as a multipurpose reservoir to generate 22 MW of hydropower, irrigate 14,674 hectares of land, and supply water for domestic and industrial uses. The project also includes significant catchment restoration to combat soil erosion and sedimentation. It is currently in the advanced preparation stage, with funding secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU) for feasibility and detailed design studies, ESIA, and RAP. Key stakeholders include the Government of Burundi (host and beneficiary), NELSAP (implementing agency), AfDB, and the EU.
The Ruvyironza Multipurpose Water Resources Development Project (PIDA Code: BIP_NELSAP_017) is a major infrastructure initiative in Burundi. The project's core component is the construction of a multipurpose dam on the Ruvyironza River, a tributary of the Kagera River. The primary purposes are irrigation, hydropower generation, and water supply. The dam is expected to create a reservoir with a surface area of approximately 11 square kilometers, inundating about 11 km of the Gitega-Ngozi highway, the Kibaya Bridge, and the Kibaya river gauge. The project scope includes: 1) Development of 14,674 hectares of irrigated agriculture across five provinces (Cankuzo, Gitega, Karuzi, Muyinga, Ruyigi); 2) Installation of a 22 MW hydropower plant; 3) Provision of water for municipal and livestock supply, and aquaculture; 4) Catchment restoration activities upstream of the dam (covering a 1,999 km2 area) to address land degradation. The project preparation phase, managed by the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), includes comprehensive feasibility studies, detailed design, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), and tender document preparation.
1) Increase national electricity generation capacity by 55% (from 40 MW to 62 MW) through the addition of 22 MW of hydropower. 2) Develop 14,674 hectares of irrigated agriculture to enhance food security and agricultural productivity. 3) Improve water access for municipal, industrial, and livestock use. 4) Restore degraded catchment areas upstream of the dam site to ensure sustainable water resources management. 5) Establish a framework for the joint management of Kagera River Basin water resources. 6) Improve the living conditions of local populations and protect the environment.