With construction of the Nyabarongo II dam now 78% complete, some residents living near the project site are calling on authorities to speed up their relocation, particularly those who cannot afford to find alternative accommodation, saying they could be exposed to risks as construction progresses.
Nyabarongo II is one of Rwanda’s major infrastructure projects, expected to increase electricity generation, help address water-related challenges and improve access to essential services.
Residents who have already been relocated say they are satisfied with the compensation they received. However, those who remain near the construction site are asking for faster assistance so they can move to safer areas before construction advances further.
Some residents whose homes and properties fell within the project area have already been relocated after receiving compensation. They say the compensation enabled them to find new places to live and leave areas earmarked for the dam.
However, others living near the construction site say they cannot afford to secure alternative accommodation on their own.
They are calling on the government to assist them with relocation and resettlement, particularly those living in areas that could be affected by the project.
Mafubo Immaculee, a resident, said people who cannot afford to relocate should also be supported to move to safer areas.
“Those who cannot afford to move and are still there are asking the government, as a parent, to resettle them near other residents so that they do not remain isolated in those areas,” she said.
The Northern Province administration says the issue is being addressed, both for residents who have not yet received compensation and those who cannot afford to find alternative places to live.
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice said houses were already being built for some residents to facilitate their relocation, while others were being assisted to complete the documents required to receive compensation.
“Some are also being resettled, and that process is underway. Construction has started for those who are supposed to have houses built for them. Here in Gakenke District in particular, the sites have been prepared and are in good condition. Construction of houses for the residents concerned has started,” he said.
Governor Mugabowagahunde said most residents who were supposed to receive compensation had already been paid, while those who had not yet received it were being helped to complete their documentation.
“A large proportion of those who were supposed to receive compensation have already received it. For those who have not, we are helping each resident complete their file where documents were missing so that they can also receive the compensation they are entitled to,” he said.
The Nyabarongo II project started in 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. It is currently 78% complete.
The dam will generate 43.5 megawatts of electricity, helping to increase the country’s power supply and support electricity-dependent activities.
The project is also expected to help address water needs and improve access to other essential services across the country.
Water from the reservoir will support development in five districts—Kamonyi, Muhanga, Gakenke, Nyabihu and Ngororero—through various activities. The Nyabarongo II dam project has a budget of Rwf149.81 billion.
Beyond electricity generation, the reservoir is expected to support water transport between the Northern Province and Kigali, as it will create a 68-kilometre-long lake.
The lake will have a storage capacity of 800 million cubic metres of water and is expected to support activities including irrigation, flood control, water supply and electricity generation.
