Nyagatare, May 21, 2025 – The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) convened the 7th Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Program at the dam construction site in Nyagatare District.

This meeting followed the 11th session of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), held a day earlier at the RWB headquarters in Kigali. Both gatherings are part of a coordinated effort to monitor and guide the implementation of the Muvumba Program, which aims to enhance water security and climate resilience in Eastern Rwanda.

Chaired by Ms. Beatrice Cyiza, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, the Steering Committee reviewed progress on dam construction, provided strategic and technical guidance, and approved the program’s 2025/2026 annual work plan and budget.

Prior to the meeting discussions, members of the Steering Committee toured the site to inspect the ongoing works, including the excavation for the embankment dam, spillway, diversion conduit, batching plant, and permanent dumping site.

Welcoming the committee members, RWB Executive Chairperson Mr. Richard Nyirishema thanked them for their continued commitment to the program’s success and stressed the importance of addressing project challenges collaboratively.

“Challenges are not something we hope for, but they are a reality in complex infrastructure projects,” said Mr. Nyirishema. “That is why this committee exists to review those challenges, propose timely solutions, and ensure that what can’t be resolved at this level is escalated to decision-makers. We are here to ensure this project is delivered efficiently and on time.”

Mr. Nyirishema also applauded the project's focus on building local capacity through youth engagement.

“We appreciate that the project is not only about physical infrastructure but also about people,” he added. “Providing internship opportunities for young professionals helps develop national expertise. We are pleased that the interns have already joined and started contributing.”

In her closing remarks, Ms. Beatrice Cyiza urged committee members to maintain continuous engagement beyond formal meetings, stressing that their oversight role is vital to the project’s timely delivery.

“We should not wait for the next meeting to contribute,” said Ms. Cyiza. “As committee members, we have a responsibility to provide ongoing technical support wherever challenges arise, so that the project meets its targets as planned.”

Once completed, the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam will store up to 55 million cubic meters of water, supporting the irrigation of 9,000 hectares, providing water for livestock, and supplying 50,000 cubic meters per day for domestic use. Additionally, the dam is expected to generate 6,939 MWh of electricity annually.