The dam is being constructed on 400 hectares spanning Karama and Rukomo sectors and Gatunda Sector in Nyagatare District.
Once completed, the dam will stand 39 metres high and measure 1.16 kilometres in length. Its size will allow it to store a substantial volume of water.
The total construction cost of the dam is estimated at €121.5 million. The facility will have the capacity to store nearly 55 million cubic metres of water, which will be used to supply clean drinking water to residents, provide irrigation water, supply water for livestock, and generate one megawatt of electricity.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, Eng Richard Nyirishema, said the first phase of construction of the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam is expected to be completed by March 2027, subject to the availability of funding.
This phase will also include the development of water treatment infrastructure, water distribution networks to households, and irrigation systems for planned agricultural areas.
'Overall, the construction of the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam has already created jobs for 1,000 people. Once the construction is completed, the reservoir will be filled with water, and we expect that electricity will be supplied to the population in 2028,' Eng Nyirishema noted.
He further explained that the first phase of irrigation is scheduled to start by the end of 2026, initially covering 3,000 hectares across the sectors of Karama, Tabagwe, Rwempesha, Nyagatare and Rukomo.
According to Eng Nyirishema, the dam will bring significant benefits to residents of Nyagatare District. It will supply 55,000 cubic metres of clean water per day, reducing the long distances residents currently travel to access safe drinking water.
In addition, it will provide irrigation water to approximately 11,000 hectares of farmland, helping to increase agricultural productivity in an area that experiences prolonged dry seasons.
The project will also supply about 700,000 cubic metres of water annually for livestock, which will be delivered directly to grazing areas.
In addition, the dam will generate one megawatt of electricity to support household use and other development activities, while also helping to reduce flooding caused by the Muvumba River, which has previously resulted in damage to surrounding areas.
Eng Nyirishema said construction works are being fast-tracked to ensure timely completion of the project.
He urged residents to continue playing an active role in the implementation of the project by following guidance provided by local authorities, and to protect and make effective use of the dam once it is completed.
Residents who recently spoke to IGIHE welcomed the project, saying they expect the Muvumba Dam to significantly improve access to irrigation water and clean drinking water in the area.
IGIHE
