Jean Christophe Carret, Director of Operations for the World Bank in Burundi says the Jiji-Mulembwe hydropower dam will produce 49, 5 MW. “It will significantly improve the electricity access rate and at least half of the population in Burundi will benefit from the project,” he says at the official launch of the construction of the hydropower dam in Songa commune in Bururi province, this September 23rd.
The hydropower dam station will be constructed, on one hand, on Jiji river
He says the project involves the construction of two hydroelectric plants Jiji (31.5 MW) and Mulembwe (16.5MW), the construction of four new substations and the extension of the three existing stations, the construction of 107 km of 110 kV transmission lines and 25 km of 33 kV lines to connect Jiji and Mulembwe substations…
Jean Christophe Carret says the project cost is amounting to $ 270, 40 million thanks to the support of different partners including the World Bank ($100 million), European Investment Bank ($95 million) and African Development Bank ($22 million). Burundi government and Regideso Company will give $ 14.5 million and $2.5 million respectively. . The construction period will be extended to 42 months.
During the implementation of the project, 40 houses, a school and a church will be constructed and 1, 579 people affected by the project will be compensated. “We refer to the National Development Plan and the Livelihood which constitute the key for the success of the project,” says Carret.
The construction activities were launched by Joseph Butore, Second Deputy President. On 20 September, President Pierre Nkurunziza had also launched the construction activities of Ruzibazi hydropower station in Rumonge province which will provide 15MW.
According to the experts in energy, the current power offer is estimated at 35MW while the demand is at 70 MW.
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