According to the Bank’s website, the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Programme – Supplementary Financing is an additional financing operation for the ongoing Muvumba programme in Rwanda. It is designed to scale up the programme’s impact by developing a climate-resilient irrigation system covering 3,073 hectares downstream of the Muvumba multipurpose dam in Nyagatare District. The supplementary financing supports irrigation infrastructure, nutrition-smart agricultural production and agro-industrial development, and programme management, building on the original programme that includes the construction of the multipurpose dam and hydropower facilities. The total cost of the current irrigation phase is estimated at EUR 63.88 million, financed by an ADF loan of EUR 17.66 million, an AfDB loan of EUR 27.74 million, EUR 12 million in uncommitted resources from the initial AfDB loan, and EUR 6.48 million from the Government of Rwanda. The Government is also in discussion with other partners, including OFID and BADEA, to mobilise additional resources for the remaining irrigation area not covered under this phase.

In compliance with the in-country systems and legal framework, and the Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), the additional financing program is confirmed as High Risk (Category 1) - same as the original program.

The risks and adverse impacts of the program include: (i) loss of approximately 12,345 agroforestry trees in the farmyards to be cleared for canals and siphons installation, (ii) occupational injuries and accidents due to machinery and vehicle use, (ii) unfair and exploitative land leasing arrangements for temporary site installations such as campsites, (iii) degradation of land leased for temporary installations, (iv) increased risk of traffic-related accidents due to movement of vehicles off site as only 354 out of the 1,657 affected households will be physically displaced, (v) risk of GBV/SEA especially due to construction works on Nsheke Primary school playground, (vii) competition for water and conflict between water users during operation phase, (viii) soil and water contamination/degradation from improper application of agrochemicals and pesticides.

The total cost of the current irrigation phase is estimated at EUR 63.88 million, financed by an ADF loan of EUR 17.66 million, an AfDB loan of EUR 27.74 million, EUR 12 million in uncommitted resources from the initial AfDB loan, and EUR 6.48 million from the Government of Rwanda.

Name: Benson Bumbe NKHOMA
Email: b.nkhoma@afdb.org

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