CANKUZO April 30th (ABP) – The Director General of the Drinking Water and Energy Regulatory Authority, AREEN, Mr. Baltazar Nganikiye, has said that the government is sparing no effort to find a solution to the challenge linked to the lack of water and electricity because various hydroelectric dam construction projects are under way. This was said during a workshop on the management of public drinking water and electricity services, which brought together the provinces of Cankuzo, Ruyigi, Muyinga, Kirundo and Ngozi.
He mentioned the Jiji-Murembwe dam, Rusumo Falls which will supply Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, Kaburantwa whose construction is coming to an end, Rusibazi already finished. He also mentioned a solar electrification project in Gitega province, the “Nyakiriza sun” and “umuco w’ iterambere” projects as well as another project which will be financed by the African Development Bank ADB which will come to supply electricity to the communes of the country which are still in darkness.
In that project, the execution of which will end at the end of 2024, the use of iron poles has been foreseen to make it more durable, as Bartazar pointed out.
During that workshop, the participants noted the lack of electricity in several parts of those provinces, the repetitive cuts where it is found, following the length of the line and old poles, the incessant increase in users, and the use of untreated poles as is the case of the line carrying electricity in Mishiha commune. They also pointed out that some drinking water supply networks are in poor condition.
Regarding the repetitive breakdowns at the Kayongozi hydroelectric power plant, the Director General of AREEN replied that the ABER team is working to find lasting solutions.
In connection with transformers of lesser capacity or struck by lightning and other old electrical and hydraulic installations and equipment that have broken down, Mr. Nganikiye asked them to bring them back in real time, so that they can be repaired or replaced, given that REGIDESO has already permission to import electronic and hydraulic equipment from abroad.