The Transboundary Akanyaru Multipurpose Water Resources Project (between Burundi and Rwanda)

Akanyaru MPP (Burundi/Rwanda) consists of a 334 Mm3 dam, 12,400 ha of irrigated land, 14.5 MW electricity, potable water supply for 683,585 people and restoration of 1700km2 degraded watersheds. It is anticipated that the project would improve the living conditions and incomes of rural populations in the provinces of Kirundo, Ngozi and Kayanza in Burundi; and Huye and Gisagara Districts in Rwanda; and surrounding areas.

Akanyaru MPP (Burundi/Rwanda) consists of a 334 Mm3 dam, 12,400 ha of irrigated land, 14.5 MW electricity, potable water supply for 683,585 people and restoration of 1700km2 degraded watersheds. It is anticipated that the project would improve the living conditions and incomes of rural populations in the provinces of Kirundo, Ngozi and Kayanza in Burundi; and Huye and Gisagara Districts in Rwanda; and surrounding areas. Expected direct and indirect impacts include the creation of employment opportunities, water for domestic consumption, hydro power production, agricultural production, and livestock production. The outcomes of these benefits will enhance household incomes and livelihoods, environmental protection /watershed management, agricultural production to match the ever-increasing human populations and market demand at regional level thereby improving both national and regional food & energy security, social economic development and ultimately poverty reduction.

The project was originally identified in 2012 by the NELSAP-CU together with the Government of Burundi and Rwanda. The project is a high national priority for both countries. Full feasibility, detailed design and preparation of tender documents, as well as independent ESIA and RAP studies are planned to be undertaken through the NEPAD-IPPF, financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) after the countries sign a joint MoU for the studies preparation and implementation. NEPAD-IPPF also requested the countries to choose the option of doing the feasibility, ESIA and RAP studies first because the available funds are enough to cover this activity and later seek for more funds to undertake the detailed designs and tender documents preparation.

The estimated cost of project implementation from the pre-feasibility study is USD 191m, however this number should be confirmed during the project design phase.