On 30 April 2026, the Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Albert Murasira, together with the Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, Richard Nyirishema, conducted a field visit to the Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Project to assess implementation progress and strengthen the integration of disaster risk reduction measures within the project.

Currently under construction along the Nyabarongo River between Kamonyi District and Gakenke District, the 43.5MW Nyabarongo II project is designed as a multipurpose investment expected to support electricity generation, water supply, and irrigation. The project is also anticipated to play a significant role in mitigating recurrent flooding downstream of the Nyabarongo River, which has increasingly threatened communities, wetlands, and public infrastructure in recent years.

During the visit, discussions with project implementers focused on the importance of integrating disaster risk prevention and resilience measures throughout all phases of construction and operation. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that the infrastructure contributes to long-term safety, environmental sustainability, and protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

“The Nyabarongo II project is a strategic investment not only for energy generation but also for strengthening resilience against flood risks. It is essential that disaster risk reduction and prevention measures are fully integrated throughout the project lifecycle to safeguard communities and national infrastructure,” said Minister Murasira.

Once completed, the project is expected to deliver broad socio-economic benefits, including increased electricity generation capacity, improved irrigation for agricultural productivity, and enhanced water resource management. The dam is also expected to help reduce seasonal flooding affecting low-lying areas such as Ruliba, where rising water levels have at times disrupted the main road linking Kigali to the Southern Province.

The construction team welcomed the Minister’s visit and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the project’s resilience to disaster risks, while ple