Rwf32bn hydropower plant to electrify around 175,000 households in Nyamagabe District

Elias Hakizimana Jun 27, 2022Jun 27, 2022 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

Mushishito-Rukarara V hydropower plant that was completed in Kibilizi Sector, Nyamagabe District in the Southern Province was officially inaugurated on June 26, 2022 at Rukarara Waterway and is expected to give electricity to over 175,000 households.

The official inauguration of this facility was graced by Dr. Edouard Ngirente, the Prime Minister of Rwanda and his colleague Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. The completion of this hydropower plant cost over $32Million, equivalent to Rwf 32billion.

Construction activities of the Mushishito-Rukarara V hydropower plant have been carried out by Omnihydro Power Plant Ltd since 2017 until June 2022. This renewable energy facility has the capacity of 5.5 Megawatts and will give electricity to over 175 thousand households through on-grid connection.

Omnicane Limited, a company headquartered in Mauritius which is specialized in sugar milling and electricity production services is the major investor in this project.

Dr. Edouard Ngirente, the Prime Minister of Rwanda and his colleague Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius shaking hands after officially inaugurating the facility.

Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) commended the efforts of the Republic of Mauritius for such a big worthy investment in Rwanda, saying it will enable the rest of national economy to expand and grow significantly.

“Energy is a very important sector in our economy, we know that the energy demand grows every fast and quite instantly, this investment will allow the rest of Rwanda’s economy to expand and grow, thanks to Omnihydro for their efforts in promoting Rwanda’s infrastructure.” Akamanzi said.

Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius applauded Rwanda for a warm welcome of Mauritius delegation to the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) for not only diplomatic reason, but also current bilateral tie over the last two decades.

“Mauritius and Rwanda share the common commitment and transformational agenda in clean, green and sustainable energy, solving climate change issues to underscore the energy pricing needs, energy transition, energy security and resilience as well as energy for all is in our common goals. Climate change mitigation and energy efficiency, access to affordable energy, sustainable electricity and expansion of energy services to more communities is our concern. Both countries will continue to collaborate in developing innovative projects for the wellbeing of our citizens.” Hon. Pravind noted.

Hon. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, the Prime Minister of Rwanda reiterated that Rwanda and Mauritius share same commitments in ensuring welfare of the citizens. He said that the new inaugurated power plant will complement Rwanda’s development goals to electrify the entire country by 2024.

“This project goes with Rwanda’s development goals and ambitions of availing affordable and clean energy for all. This investment indeed responds to the shortage of electricity in this area.” Hon. Ngirente said, commending the efforts of those who contributed to the completion of this energy facility, urging the citizens to preserve it and make this energy productive enough for their development.

Mushishito-Rukarara V hydropower plant has since its completion electrified over 120 households. The remaining will gradually be connected to attain the national target of energy for all by 2024.

**The completion of this hydropower plant cost over $32Million, equivalent to Rwf 32billion. It is expected to give electricity to over 175,000 households.**

Source of employment

The Mushishito-Rukarara V hydropower plant employed over 600 citizens along with construction activities.

Jean Claude Bugingo, 26, is one of the employees in construction of the facility. He said he managed to build a residential house which has also electricity.

“I was manpower and I served the company for two years. I gained much money and I bought livestock, assisted my family and built a house. Many of my colleagues bought plots, constructed houses and married.” He said.

Emile Ndagijimana, another employee who served the company for nine years as a local labour supply said he gained skills and money.

“The skills I got can help me to run a power plant. I gained money and bought a car and I paid school fees for my children.” He said.

The new inaugurated power plants comes the 5th, added to current four power plants built on Rukarara River.

Rukarara I, II, supply 9.5 Megawatts and 2.7 Megawatts respectively. Rukarara V supplies 5.5 Megawatts. The Rukarara III and IV are yet to be constructed. Rukarara VI is under construction and is expected to supply 4.5 Megawatts.

As of March 2022, the cumulative connectivity rate in Rwanda was 69.80 percent of Rwandan households including 49.23 percent connected to the national grid and 20.57 percent accessing through off-grid systems mainly solar, according to data from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).