Rwandan Energy Minister Collette Ruhamya told journalists at the Nile Basin Discourse meeting that the country's construction of the proposed 90 megawatt Rusumo hydroelectric power plant will be environmentally friendly.
Concerns have been raised about the new hydroelectric facility reducing the water flow of the Akagera River upon its completion.
Ruhamya said, "The construction of a hydro power plant is the most favorable, efficient and with no effects at all. The Rusumo plant won't affect the environment and the flow of water," The New Times reported.
Ruhamya added that Rwanda strongly supports the project as it will contribute substantially to the region's power needs, as the facility will provide electricity not only to Rwanda, but neighboring Burundi and Tanzania as well.
Addressing pan-African water issues at the Nile Basin Discourse meeting Ruhamya emphasized regional cooperation over issues of dividing the Nile's waters, which is currently unsettling relations among the countries located along its banks and said, "Water is life and energy is the pillar of economic development. To achieve our sole goal of sustainable economic development, we need to join efforts at national, regional and global levels.
Sharing a resource like the Nile has been so unique."
By. Joao Peixe, Deputy Editor OilPrice.com
Joao is a writer for Oilprice.com More