Construction of the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam project in Nyagatare District has reached 61.5% completion, with the government expecting the facility to transform agriculture, water management and energy supply in Rwanda’s Eastern Province.
The progress update was given by Eng. Richard Nyirishema, Executive Director of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, during Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva’s visit to inspect the project on Saturday.
The Rwf102.7 billion project is one of Rwanda’s major investments aimed at strengthening climate resilience, expanding irrigation farming, supporting modern livestock production and increasing electricity generation.
Nyirishema said the dam, which started construction in 2023, is scheduled to be completed in March 2027.
However, he acknowledged that the project is behind schedule by about 6%, with progress currently at 61.5% against the planned 68.3%, mainly due to prolonged rainy seasons that affected construction activities.
“We expect to achieve major progress during this dry season. We have increased the workforce, equipment and trucks transporting construction materials to accelerate the works,” Nyirishema said.
Prime Minister Nsengiyumva called for faster implementation of the project, stressing the need for residents to start benefiting from the dam as soon as possible.
The inspection was part of the government’s assessment of strategic projects designed to address the effects of climate change, increase agricultural production and improve management of water resources in the Eastern Province.
Once completed, the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam will have the capacity to store 50 million cubic metres of water. It is expected to provide irrigation for more than 10,000 hectares of farmland and support electricity generation, making it a key project in Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen food security and sustainable development.
