AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The World Bank has approved a $340 million financing package for a crucial hydroelectric power plant in Africa’s Great Lakes region, a project long delayed by ethnic conflict.
In August 2013, the World Bank board of executive directors signed off on the financing for the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project, which will provide 80 megawatts of power to people in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.
The run-of-the-river hydropower plant was supposed to be finished years ago, but it has been delayed by fighting in the region. The bank said the financing will be divided evenly among the three countries, as will the power produced by the plant. The power will help serve 62 million people in a region where less than 15 percent of the people have access to electricity.
“This landmark project will have transformational impact, bringing lower-cost energy to homes, businesses, and clinics in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania,” said Colin Bruce, World Bank director for Strategy, Operations and Regional Integration.