Burundi Minister Visits LADP Giteranyi & Busoni 18 march 2022

Giving back to communities during constructing Rusumo power plant
to refine livelihoods of Rusumo communities

During construction phase of Rusumo Power Plant, a socio-economic development program is also being applied in localities surrounding the Project area namely in Ngoma and Kirehe Districts in Rwanda, in Ngara District of Tanzania and Busoni (Kirundo) and Giteranyi (Muyinga) Communes in Burundi. The program is commonly called as the Local Area Development Program (LADP) and is established to enhance positive impacts to communities in building social infrastructure that are highlighted as priorities by local leadership in consultation with communities.

LADP Burundi is coordinated by a fully-fledged unit headed by a coordinator in close collaboration with leadership of respective communes. In Busoni commune, LADP supported rehabilitation and extension of 39 Km of water system, construction and equipment of Murore youth centre and Rugando health centre and construction of hangars in Runyinya area. In Giteranyi, the program supported rehabilitation and extension of 30 km water system, construction of a youth centre in Ruzo, construction and equipment of health centre in Bugoma area, construction of Giteranyi Commune head office as well as hangars in Kinanira area.

On 18th March 2022, Burundi Minister in charge of Minister of Hydraulic, Energy and Mines, Hon. Eng. UWIZEYE Ibrahim visited sub-projects implemented under LADP in Muyinga Province, Giteranyi Commune in the spirit to ensure that all projects are all operational and communities are benefiting from the mentioned projects, if not, to discuss on how to address appearing challenges. The Minister was accompanied by Director General of AHAMR (Agence Burundaise de l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement en Milieu Rural), Burundi RPCL Board of Directors and Project Steering Committee members, Muyinga leadership as well as RPCL and NELSAP representatives.

The visiting officials were received at Muyinga Province Office, welcomed by the Chief of Cabinet of Governor of Muyinga Province, Mr. Ndaruhekere Denise on behalf of Muyinga Governor. the visit to LADP Giteranyi was advanced by the Permanent Executive Secretary of Commune Giteranyi, Mr. Mushengezi Venant representing Commune Administrator of Giteranyi Commune.

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The visitors took stock of status of water source in Gihuzu and the bache of Rubenga and Nyarutongo, whereby construction of water sources are completed but repair of some parts of reservoirs are still ongoing. Therefore, communities of the surrounding are still using river water. A visit to Giteranyi Head Office was also done, the office is also not yet completely operational.

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After the visit, the Minister expressed his appreciation for all the endeavoring to bring socio economic development to communities so far. He, however, urged all LADP actors to closely follow up all pending works to ensure that all water supply systems work efficiently and properly reach all water serving points for communities to use clean water. He called upon the support of all actors to ensure that LADP projects be functional and serve the purpose

During his interview with Burundi national media, Radio Television National du Burundi, Hon. Minister, Eng. Uwizeye stated that Busoni and Giteranyi communities are set to benefit from LADP projects. He added, “the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project is giving back to communities surrounding the Project area, through LADP which is 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”.
The same program was executed whereby access to clean water and roads projects, health centres as well schools enhancements are now benefiting local communities in Ngoma and Kirehe Districts in Rwanda and in Ngara District of Tanzania.

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