December 20, 2024: The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) held its quarterly meeting of the Technical Committee on Dams, focusing on the status of dams monitored in the second quarter of 2024-2025, and the challenges they face.

The Technical Committee on Dams was established by Ministerial Order No. 001/MoE/22 on January 31, 2022.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, Director General of RWB and Committee Chairperson, thanked participants for their attendance and emphasized their responsibilities, noting that fulfilling these duties is key to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the dams.

The meeting highlighted the main challenges faced by dams, including excessive water overtopping crests and damaging embankments, as well as unclear boundaries of some valley dams that hinder preservation efforts. 

To address these issues, the committee proposed enhanced monitoring systems, clearer boundary demarcations, and increased collaboration to implement preventive measures.

Dr. Rukundo concluded the meeting by suggesting more frequent interactions outside of the quarterly meetings to foster idea sharing.