The Muvumba multi-purpose dam, which would cost €121.5 million (Rwf122b), could begin construction in June of next year, according to project developers. Due to multiple obstacles, including a lack of funding and the upgrading of dam designs, the project, whose design began in 2015, has yet to mature.
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The African Development Bank (AFDB) has already provided €121.5 million for the project. This was revealed by the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB). The technical team from the African Development Bank visited Rwanda last month to review the program and track the progress of its implementation. The visit was also to resolve any unresolved issues and agree on a course of action.
Muvumba multi-purpose dam construction dates
According to Yared Michael, the project coordinator for the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development project, the construction of the dam could begin in the middle of next year. The attempts to find a contractor have progressed to an advanced stage. This follows the completion of design revisions.
The design review was meant to last eight months. However, since there was a significant design change, it took an extra year, from July 2021 to July 2022. During its inception, it was expected that the Muvumba multi-purpose dam project would be 30.5 meters high. It was anticipated to provide 35 million cubic meters of water and water for irrigation on 7, 380 ha to combat drought. It was also expected to supply water for 16 reservoirs for animals in the Nyagatare district. Additionally, the project will provide electricity.
The dam’s capacity was raised when the designs were reviewed. The hydropower station will produce 6.94 GWh annually, up from 5 GWh previously. The dam was originally designed to provide about 24,000 cubic meters of water per day. However, after design upgrades, this amount has increased to 50,000 cubic meters per day. It will provide water for 300,000 people living in the areas of Karangazi, Rwimiyaga, and Nyagatare. The dam will also provide enough water for livestock use.
The irrigation scheme’s command area will reportedly increase from 7,380 hectares to 8,800 hectares, spanning the Tabagwe, Gatunda, Karama, Rukomo, Nyagatare, Rwempasha, Musheri, and Rwimiyaga sectors. According to him, the initiative could generate 260 jobs per year. If everything goes as planned, the project should be completed by 2027, he said.
Reported earlier
Rwanda Prepares for Construction of Muvumba Multipurpose Dam and Power Plant
Plans for the construction of a proposed Muvumba multipurpose dam and power plant installation are gearing up. The Rwanda Water Resources Board is therefore looking to prequalify contractors for the implementation of the project.
The task includes the construction of a high dam with a spillway, intake tower, diversion/outlet culvert, upstream cofferdam, and a hydropower plant on the Muvumba River. The river flows through Nyagatare District and is in the northeastern region of Rwanda. The dam will be built approximately 12 kilometers upstream of Nyagatare Town. It will be 39 meters tall with a 55 million m3 storage capacity.
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Installed hydropower will have a 1MW (500KW x 2) capacity. In addition, it will be able to produce 6.94 GWh annually. Furthermore, other than energy production, the dam will provide water for cattle, agriculture, and domestic usage.
August 16th, 2022 is the scheduled deadline for all applications. The Request for Bids from Prequalified Bidders will be issued in September 2022.
Application for the Muvumba multipurpose dam and power plant installation contract
All qualified Applicants, as described in the Procurement Framework, may participate in the prequalification process. This will follow the processes outlined in the African Development Bank’s Procurement Policy for Bank Group Funded Operations, dated October 2015 (“Procurement Framework”).
The Rwanda Water Resources Board is available to provide further information to all interested parties at their offices between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Interested applicants may acquire a full set of prequalification materials in English without charge by sending a written application to the address shown below:
During business hours, the document will be available for collection at the Rwanda Water Resources Board Headquarters, Nyarugenge Pension Plaza, KN 3 Road, Kigali, Rwanda. There will be a pre-application meeting on July 22nd, 2022, at 10 a.m. Kigali time. The Online meeting will be by email invites only. The Rwanda Water Resources Board Invitations will send out the invitations to all qualifying parties through email.
