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More than 80 households in Kirehe District, whose homes were damaged by blasting activities during the construction of the 80MW Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project, are preparing to move into a state-of-the-art model village. Funded by a $4.2 million recovery budget, the settlement provides modern housing and integrated community infrastructure, marking a successful turn in the shared energy project between Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Redempta
4 months ago
For years, the residents of Nyankurazo Cell lived with the unintended consequences of progress. As engineers blasted rock to build the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project, the resulting tremors rendered many local homes structurally unsound. Today, that uncertainty is being replaced by the keys to a modern model village.
According to Kirehe District Vice Mayor Modeste Nzirabatinya, the relocation process is set to begin as early as February, meeting the urgent timelines set by Parliament to restore the livelihoods of those affected.
The new settlement isn't just a collection of houses; it is a fully integrated community hub designed to improve the standard of living for the displaced families.
Key features of the model village include:
Modern Housing: Semi-detached units designed to accommodate two families each, mirroring the scale of their original homes.
Utility Access: Full connectivity to clean water, electricity, and advanced drainage systems.
Education & Health: A dedicated Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre and a health post located within the village.
Livelihood Support: Communal cow sheds to support livestock farming and proximity to the Rwanda–Tanzania border for trade opportunities.
The $4.2 million housing project was overseen by a multi-agency committee involving the Rwanda Housing Authority and NELSAP-CU. While 80 families will move into the centralized model village, an additional 14 households who owned land elsewhere are having homes constructed on their private plots.
"The blasting shook the ground and destroyed many of our houses. Some became too dangerous to live in... they decided to build this model village for us."
— Tharcisse Ndayambaje, Resident
The Rusumo Hydropower Plant—a tri-national venture sharing 80MW between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania—is proving to be a catalyst for regional development far beyond the power grid.
SectorImpact in Rwanda (Kirehe & Ngoma Districts)RoadsOver 68km of rehabilitated feeder and connecting roads.WaterPipelines serving 10,500+ people in Gatonde and Gahima.TradeConstruction of local markets and improved border access.HealthSupport for health centres to serve the growing population.
As repair works on the Rwandan and Tanzanian sides reach completion, the Rusumo project stands as a benchmark for how large-scale infrastructure projects can balance regional energy needs with local social responsibility.
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