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Rwanda to Create New Artificial Lake by 2028
Rwanda is set to create a new large artificial lake by 2028 as part of the ongoing Nyabarongo II hydropower project. The dam, now halfway complete, is expected to generate 40 MW of electricity and create a massive reservoir of 800 million cubic meters — ranking as the country’s fourth largest water body after Lake Kivu, Burera and Ruhondo.
According to the State Minister of Infrastructure, Amb. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the new lake will be double the size of Lake Muhazi and extend 67 kilometers from Nyabugogo to Vunga. It will reshape the landscape of Nyarugenge, Rulindo, Gakenke, Muhanga, Kamonyi, Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Musanze districts. Beyond power generation, officials highlight opportunities in maritime transport, real estate, water sports, irrigation, and flood control.
His announcement drawn mixed reactions on X. A user named Mugisha questioned whether the dam could impact the existing Nyabarongo I plant.
“I hope it will generate 80 MW given the size, but a 67 km stretch may end up flooding Nyabarongo I," he questioned.
Minister Uwihanganye reassured that Nyabarongo I will not be affected.
“It is upstream, and its tailwater will flow into Nyabarongo II. The river slope does not allow more than 43.5 MW. However, additional power will come from floating solar installations once the reservoir is in place. This project is also designed to mitigate floods in Kigali, Bugesera, and other downstream areas," he highlighted.
Others voiced environmental concerns. Jean Paul Karinganire asked about potential effects on the Akagera River, which feeds lakes in Akagera National Park and eventually flows into Lake Victoria.
Mugisha later added that increasing the dam’s height could yield more energy but acknowledged challenges linked to costs, seasonal river flows, flood control, and irrigation demands.
At the same time, some citizens celebrated the development as transformative. Florentine Kabasinga described it as “a visionary project that will transform our landscape and create countless opportunities for the entire country.”
"We are excited to see Kigali and the whole region shine even brighter," She added.
If completed as planned, Nyabarongo II will not only boost Rwanda’s energy production but also reshape its natural and economic landscape, linking Kigali with the Northern, Southern and Western provinces through new infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism opportunities.
