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By Annonciata Byukusenge
Residents whose homes were damaged by the construction of the Rusumo hydropower dam say they are grateful that the project prioritized their well-being over public utility. A model village is being built for them, providing safer housing and improved living conditions.
Many of these families had previously lived in high-risk zones or in old, unsafe houses that the government had already warned could endanger their lives.
One of the beneficiaries, Tharcisse Ndayambaje, from Nyankurazo Cell in Kigarama Sector, Kirehe District, recalls how their lives changed after the dam construction began in 2017.
Also read: How the Rusumo Hydropower Project helped to improve the economy in the Ngoma district.
“People who lived directly where the dam and related infrastructure were built received compensation and were resettled elsewhere. But those of us living nearby continued staying in our homes. Over time, the blasting used in construction shook the ground, destroying many of our houses. Some became so unsafe that they could no longer be lived in,” he said.
He added that families with means managed to move and find better housing, while those with limited resources remained in the damaged houses.
Related article: How the Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project Affected Biodiversity, Environment, and Residents’ Daily Life
How were the 80 families selected?
When the situation worsened, residents raised their concerns with local leaders.
“We reported our problems up to the district level. The district then worked with the Rusumo Project management, who sent a team to inspect the situation. After verifying the extent of the damage, it was confirmed that our homes were unfit for habitation. That’s when they decided to build this new model village for us,” explained Ndayambaje.
The new settlement, set to host 80 families, is equipped with essential infrastructure such as clean water, electricity, a school, a health post, and local administrative offices. The houses are designed so that one building accommodates two in one.
Also read: How NELSAP changed the daily lives of the inhabitants through the Rusumo hydropower project.
Future residents say this will transform their lives, offering stability and access to services they never had before.
Kirehe District Mayor Bruno Rangira emphasized the long-term benefits of the project.
“Initially, the plan was to simply repair the damaged homes, but we realized it would not be sustainable. Building a new model village was the best solution. Along with the houses, we are also constructing an early childhood development center, a primary school, and even a cowshed for livestock keepers.”
With these developments, families displaced by the Rusumo Dam project now look forward to starting a new chapter in a safer, better-equipped community.
Also read: From 18 km to 1 km of travel for accessing health care services in Ngoma district.
How did NELSAP confirm the need to build new hoses for this community?
Anthony Shumbusho, Environmental Compliance Inspector for the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme (NELSAP-CU), said that following claims from affected households, a committee was formed comprising the Rwanda Housing Authority, Kirehe District, Police, and others to fast-track the construction of the housing units.
“The team assessed each house of those who submitted claims and presented the report to us. The report identified homes in critical condition, requiring relocation and the provision of new housing,” he explained.
He added that 80 households are to receive new homes, and an additional 14 households, who owned land elsewhere, will have houses built on their plots.
“At least $4.2 million (approximately Rwf6 billion) has been allocated for the construction of the houses and associated facilities.” Said Shumbusho.
Construction work on this model village has reached 95% completion.
The project is also expected to supply electricity to Bugesera International Airport.
On the Rwandan side, it includes the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of feeder roads in Kirehe District, the construction of 28.7 kilometers of roads in Ngoma District, a water pipeline to supply 10,500 people in Gatonde–Gahima cells, a 33-kilometer Gituku–Murama water supply system, and the construction of 9.54 kilometers of the Kigabiro–Rurenge–Gatore feeder road, among other developments.
