The 80 MW Rusumo Power Plant is now fully operated and maintained by RPCL; it is selling electricity to the national Utilities of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania since March 2024.
RPCL is pressing the completion of the Local Area Development Program (LADP) that was offered as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) to enhance the regional socio-economic development of districts surrounding Rusumo areas, during preparation and construction phases of the Rusumo Project to Kirehe and Ngoma districts in Rwanda, to Giteranyi and Busoni communes in Burundi and to Ngara district in Tanzania.
In this line, RPCL conducted back-to-back stakeholders’ meetings and site visits from June 16th to 22nd, 2025 to discuss the thorough completion process of all activities previously managed by Rusumo Project Implementation Unit. A number of LADP construction works and social and environmental safeguard activities are yet urged to be completed without delay.
LADP Phase II in Ngoma and Kirehe Districts, Rwanda
In Rwanda, Kirehe District is constructing a high-standard multipurpose sport center that will mainly serve the surrounding youth communities and may host local competitions in volleyball, basketball, football and other sporting activities. The RPCL governance visited Kirehe District to discuss their approach to complete LADP projects. The RPCL Board chairman Eng. Felix Gakuba urged Kirehe district to complete the construction of all LADP II infrastructures, “we urge you to complete LADP projects this month as they are implemented under the framework of Rusumo Project financing which is closing this month”, he said. Ngoma district built Kazo-Karembo Health Centers, Ngoma YEGO Center, Gafunzo-Rukira -Karembo markets and the infrastructure are now operational.
LADP Phase II in Ngara District, Tanzania
In Tanzania, Ngara District is reconstructing and expanding the district’s headquarters offices to improve access to public services and simplify government processes. The district is in parallel completing the construction of Kahaza modern village market, a complex that mixes traditional market features, modern amenities and provide Rusumo communities with a vibrant shopping experience. Nevertheless, in line with enhancing the socio-economic development of Rusumo communities, the district built a fence wall and gravel road as additional works of the Rusumo Health Center built during LAPD phase I. The health facility is operational and communities surrounding Rusumo now have access to health services.
The RPCL Board member, Mr. Nuru Ndile who was heading the visit to Ngara district accentuated the need to complete all the pending works under Ngara LADP Phase2, “all these workings must complete with immediate effect and Ngara district must ensure that the budlings are operational” he uttered.
LADP Phase II in Giteranyi Commune now Buhumuza Province and Busoni Commune, now Butanyerera Province, Burundi
In Burundi, LADP II built Court of Justice of Giteranyi Commune and Busoni Commune Head Office and they are both now functional.
Community development and corporate social responsibility
RPCL Board and management also reached out to construction works of houses of those who were affected by blasting during construction of the Power Plant in 2018. In Rusumo village on Tanzania side, Rusumo Project refurbished and constructed of about 540 structures. In Rusumo village on Rwanda side, a new village of 80 houses is under construction, on a hill opposite the Rwanda Rusumo border officer and 34 houses were repaired. Rusumo affected communities are very excited to receive the newly constructed houses in a modern village.
Ruvuvu ferry road restoration
The RPCL governance checked the works undertaken to restoring 1.3 km Ruvuvu ferry access road in putting marram and gravel to stabilize road base strength and enhance resistance to deterioration caused by Ruvuvu waters swamp and natural rain. This access road is used local communities, businesspersons, merchants, schooler who cross the river through, from or to Rusumo and Nyakaziba villages in Ngara District. The road is located in a marshy area and is frequently swamped by the river waters especially during rainy season. The refurbishment works will bring changes to the users.
Donating firetrucks
In a close future, RPCL will donate firetrucks to Kirehe and Ngoma districts in Rwanda, to Giteranyi and Busoni communes in Burundi and to Ngara district in Tanzania as a continued support to local area development. This will enable the local areas to address rapid response and containment of fire damage to local properties and the environment. These vehicles will be tropicalized to fit the local terrains
RPCL engaged all concerned beneficiaries from the process to identify the needed fire trucks and visiting to test the equipment at the manufacturer's place before shipping the trucks to the respective beneficiaries’ destinations. A formal reception of the firetrucks will be organized in that matter.
