Kagame launches New Hydro Plant, country to save US$3m every month

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame yesterday unveiled a 28megawatt power plant at Nyabarongo River in Southern Province, reducing part of the country’s expenses on heavy fuel worth $3million every month.

According to Infrastructure Minister, James Musoni, “Nyabarongo Hydro power project will reduce expenses we spend on heavy diesel by 43percent.” Rwanda spends $12.9million on heavy fuel every month.

Unveiling the power plant located in Mushishiro sector, President Kagame addressed thousands of residents; promising more activities for the economic development to the Rural Rwandan society.

“We shall generate more 120megawatts of electricity from Nyabarongo River in the next three years. This plant is the first part of energy projects we expect from this River. We plan to generate more energy that is 5 times this one.” Kagame promised

The power plant had been under construction since May 2009.It was constructed at a tune of $125million.

A consortium of two Indian firms; Angelique International Ltd, Bharat Heavy Electronics, were contracted to build the plant. The project was funded by Indian government, through a credit line from Exim Bank which provided $80million, while rest was met by Rwandan Government.

Kagame thanked the Indian government for its support to Rwanda’s development agenda. “India has been a great partner for Rwanda’s development. I want to acknowledge their support in this project and more to come.”

The power plant is the biggest energy facility to be unveiled in Rwanda. For Minister Musoni, “It is a start of other projects we intend to start this year, which will produce 300MW.”

Rwanda targets to have 563MW of energy by 2018.Nyabarongo’s connection to the national grid increases electricity capacity from 110MW to 160MW, contributing around 18percent to Rwanda’s energy sector.

The President reminded that local residents should be the primary beneficiaries of energy projects.

Marie Jose Uwinkamiye, a local resident and beneficiary of the plant told KTPress:  “With this power project, I connected my house with electricity and it enables me to conduct my tailoring business at night.”’

According to Muhanga mayor, Yvonne Mutakwasuku, Nyabarongo power plant has increased electricity access in the District from 15 to 20percent.

“We will do all we can to ensure access to electricity for all homes, schools, hospitals and industries.” President Kagame assured Rwandans