On 18th March 2022, Burundi Minister of Hydraulic, Energy and Mines, Hon. Eng. Uwizeye Ibrahim visited projects established to improve livelihoods of communities living around the 80MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project. Known as Local Area Development Projects (LADP), these are projects under a benefit sharing program between the Rusumo power project and adjacent communities.
Hon. Eng. Uwizeye Ibrahim visited LADP sub-projects that are located on the Burundi side, to ensure that they are operational and communities are benefiting from them. During his mission, he discussed with the project implementation team how to address various operational challenges. In Busoni commune, LADP supported rehabilitation and extension of 39 km of water supply system, construction and equipment of Murore youth centre and Rugando health centre and construction of hangars in Runyinya area. In Giteranyi, LADP supported rehabilitation and extension of 30 km water supply system, construction of a youth centre in Ruzo, construction and equipment of a health centre in Bugoma area, construction of Giteranyi Commune head office as well as hangars in Kinanira area.
During his visit, Hon. Eng. Uwizeye Ibrahim was accompanied by Director General of AHAMR, the agency responsible for water supply and sanitation in Burundi and the Rusumo Power Company (RPCL) Board of Directors from Burundi. Also present were LADP project steering committee members, Muyinga leadership as well as NELSAP representatives. The visiting officials were received at Muyinga Province Office by the Chief of Cabinet of the Governor, Ms. Ndaruhekere Denise on behalf of Muyinga Governor and the Permanent Executive Secretary of Giteranyi Commune, Mr. Mushengezi Venant, representing Commune Administrator of Giteranyi. The visitors took stock of status of water sources in Gihuzu, Rubenga and Nyarutongo where construction of water sources are complete but repair of some parts of the water pumping stations are still ongoing forcing surrounding communities to use river water.
After the visit, the Minister expressed his appreciation for all the endeavors of NELSAP Rusumo project, which is working in collaboration with local administration, to bring socio economic development to communities. He however urged all LADP actors to closely follow up pending works to ensure that water supply systems work efficiently and properly reach all water serving points for communities to use clean water. He also asked them to ensure that the projects are functional as soon as possible and serve the people. Later that day, during his interview with Burundi national broadcaster, Radio Television National du Burundi, Hon. Minister stated that Busoni and Giteranyi communities are set to greatly benefit from LADP projects. “These LADPs are expected to enhance livelihoods of Rusumo communities, increase access to clean water and hygiene, establish a healthier environment, and set up appropriate systems for an empowered and educated youth generation,” Hon. Eng. Uwizeye said.
The LADPs are coordinated by a fully-fledged unit headed by a coordinator in close collaboration with leadership of respective communes.