A high-level delegation led by the President of the Senate of Burundi officially visited the 80 MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant (RRFHP) on Monday, August 19. The visit underscored Burundi’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable energy development in East Africa.
Background
The Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project is a transformative energy initiative jointly developed and owned by Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania via the Company RPCL. The project aims to generate 80 MW of clean, renewable electricity to be shared equally among the three countries, significantly boosting their power supply and supporting economic growth in the region. The Rusumo Falls project promotes regional cooperation and integration and fosters sustainable development by providing reliable and affordable energy while minimizing environmental impact.
As a key player in advancing East Africa's energy infrastructure, the project underscores the commitment of its member countries to a greener and more prosperous future.
Significance of the Visit
The delegation, composed of the head of the Senate, Honorable Emmanuel Sinzohagera accompanied by Senate First Vice, Honorable Denise Ndadaye, Senate Second Vice, Honorable Fabrice Nkurunziza, CNDD- FDD Deputy Secretary General, Honorable Cyriaque Nshimirimana, the Burundi Minister of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mines Hon. Eng. Ibrahim UWIZEYE, and other members of the Senate, was received by representatives of the RPCL, including engineers, and management staff. The visit is a testament to the importance of the 80 MW RRFHP as a vital infrastructure project that contributes to the energy security of Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The Senate President emphasized the critical role of the Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project in promoting economic growth and improving the living standards of citizens in the region. "This project is not just about energy; it is about the future of our people. It symbolizes our shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected East Africa," stated the Senate President.
Tour of the Facilities
The delegation was given a comprehensive tour of the hydroelectric facility, which included a visit to the dam, the powerhouse. The project engineers provided detailed explanations of the plant's capacity, which is expected to generate 80 megawatts of electricity, to be shared equally among the three Shareholding Countries.
