Burundi has reached a major milestone in its energy development with the inauguration of the Kabu 16 hydroelectric power plant, located in Cibitoke province. President Evariste Ndayishimiye presided over the inauguration ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024, marking the completion of a major project estimated at 106 million dollars.
The new power plant, built on Muremera hill in Buganda commune, has a production capacity of 20 megawatts. The infrastructure relies on a hydroelectric dam that spans three hills in the Murwi commune: Rugano, Ngoma, and Rema. This achievement represents a significant leap forward in the country’s electrical production capacity.
The project was successfully carried out by the Indian company “Angelique International Limited,” demonstrating the strength of diplomatic relations between Burundi and India. In his speech, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the importance of this bilateral collaboration, which helped overcome numerous challenges encountered during the project’s implementation.
“Now that you have electrical power, everyone should begin to undertake activities that will allow them to increase their income,” declared the Head of State, encouraging the population to seize this opportunity to develop economic projects. With this in mind, the Ministers of Commerce and Energy have been tasked with attracting investors to exploit this new energy resource through mutually beneficial partnerships.
On the sidelines of this inauguration, President Ndayishimiye also visited the repair site of the Ntahangwa bridge, where a main water pipeline was recently damaged. The Director General of Regideso, Lt.Col.Dr.Ir Jean Albert Manigomba, assured that repair work is progressing rapidly to restore drinking water supply to the affected neighborhoods of Ntahangwa.
This new hydroelectric power plant is part of Burundi’s national strategy for developing energy infrastructure, essential for supporting economic growth and improving the population’s living conditions.
