Kivu lakeside cities to receive major climate resilience investment

By The Inspirer.

A delegation from Germany’s development bank KfW is in Rwanda to assess priority investment areas under a planned project aimed at strengthening climate resilience in cities along Lake Kivu.

The project targets urban centres including Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi, which are increasingly exposed to climate change impacts such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.

In the Western Province, flooding and landslides remain among the most frequent natural hazards, driven by steep terrain, intense rainfall, and land-use pressures.

Environmental studies show that soil erosion in catchment areas feeding Lake Kivu is increasing, with heavy rains washing sediments into the lake, reducing water quality and affecting fisheries.

Experts warn that continued sedimentation and pollution could undermine fish production, threatening livelihoods for communities dependent on Lake Kivu’s fishing economy.

Climate-related disruptions are also affecting tourism activities around the lake, as extreme weather events damage infrastructure and reduce accessibility for visitors.

Public health risks are rising as well, with flooding linked to waterborne diseases, poor sanitation conditions, and periodic displacement of lakeside communities.

The economic burden of climate impacts is also growing, particularly due to damage to roads, bridges, schools, and health facilities, which require costly rehabilitation.

The KfW delegation held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), and district authorities from Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi to review implementation plans for the project.

They also visited several sites where climate adaptation measures have already been implemented, including flood-control and environmental protection infrastructure along Lake Kivu.

KfW has pledged investment ranging between €20 million and €40 million (about RWF 32 billion to 64 billion), with potential to increase up to €80 million (about RWF 128 billion), depending on project expansion and additional interventions.