Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Program-Design Review

Tthe Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Program is a Government of Rwanda initiative aimed at strengthening water, energy, and food security while enhancing climate resilience. The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with the Government of Rwanda. 

The project centers on the construction of a dam on the Muvumba River. Following detailed technical and safeguard studies, the dam design was revised from an initial height of 30.5 m to 39 m, increasing the reservoir capacity from 35 million m³ to 55 million m³. These changes were driven by updated hydrological assessments, expanded irrigation demand, domestic water supply and the need for improved flood management.

Key design improvements include:

• Significant increase in flood handling capacity (PMF)
• Expansion of the irrigation area to over 10,000 hectares
• Increased dead and sediment storage capacity
• Enlarged spillway and outlet structures for enhanced safety and performance 

The revised design strengthens the project’s ability to:

• Supply of 50,000 m³/day of water from 25,000 m³/day to nearly 300,000 people
• Support irrigation across more than 10,000 hectares
• Generate up to 1 MW of hydropower
• Improve livestock water access and reduce flood risks 

Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESIA & RAP)

The design changes required updates to environmental and social safeguard instruments.

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was conducted in compliance with Rwanda’s environmental laws and regulations and Bank Policy. It identifies potential environmental and social risks and defines appropriate mitigation and management measures to be implemented throughout the project lifecycle.

Similarly, the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) initially prepared in 2016 was updated in 2022 to reflect the revised dam footprint and current socio-economic conditions. The updated RAP ensures that:

• Affected persons are fully consulted and engaged
• Compensation is fair, transparent, and aligned with national laws and bank policy
• Livelihood restoration measures are implemented, with special attention to vulnerable groups 

The program is committed to ensuring that all affected communities are adequately supported to restore or improve their living conditions, and that project benefits are delivered in an inclusive and sustainable manner.

Click  to download the reportss: 

ESIA report for Muvumba multipurpose Dam and Hydropower plant installation project- DESIGN REVIEW

RAP report for Muvumba multipurpose Dam and Hydropower plant installation project- DESIGN REVIEW