Damming the Despair

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Rwanda and China have long enjoyed a robust partnership, characterised by mutual respect and shared development goals. This relationship has been further solidified by the planned Giseke Dam and Irrigation Project in Gisagara District, a venture made possible through a concessional loan from China.

The project is designed to irrigate 2,640 hectares of land, directly benefitting over 900 households and approximately 4,578 individuals by providing critical infrastructure for crop cultivation. Gisagara District, known for its large-scale rice farming, stands to benefit greatly from the initiative, which is aligned with Rwanda’s broader efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through controlled water access.

Boosting agriculture

Local markets, both within and beyond Gisagara, are also expected to flourish as a result of the increased commercialisation of agricultural products. The introduction of modern irrigation infrastructure is anticipated to boost crop yields and ensure a more stable supply of produce to meet growing market demands.

Habineza Jean Paul, the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs in Gisagara District, expressed his gratitude for the Chinese funding, noting, “We welcomed the news of receiving Chinese funds for our irrigation project. China is considered a brotherly nation due to its longstanding support across various sectors in Rwanda, including agriculture, infrastructure, roads, mining, and education.”

Habineza further explained to ChinAfrica that the irrigation project had been in the planning stages for nearly a decade, but securing funding had always been a major hurdle. “Obtaining financing was a significant challenge, but with China’s support, we can now start envisioning a brighter future for the people of Gisagara,” he said.

A central aspect of the project is the construction of the Giseke Dam, which has long been a barrier to the implementation of irrigation initiatives. “The best part of this project is that they will first build the Giseke Dam, which had been a major obstacle to even considering irrigation,” Habineza noted.

The project will be implemented in phases, with all designated land used for irrigation farming once completed. Importantly, farmers will retain ownership of their land. “No land will be taken away from farmers,” he emphasised. “Everyone will keep their property, and if their land falls within the designated irrigation zones, they will receive the necessary systems to grow crops and sell their produce in the market.”

The project is expected to begin between July and August of this year. “We hope it won’t take long to complete,” Habineza added.

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Income generation

Beyond the agricultural benefits, the project is also set to create job opportunities during its construction phase. Many young people in Gisagara are expected to find employment, contributing to the local economy and improving community livelihoods.

Local residents have also expressed their excitement about the initiative. Marie Ishimwe, a farmer from Gisagara, shared with ChinAfrica, “This project will change our lives. With reliable irrigation, we can cultivate our fields throughout the year and improve our harvests. We have four hectares of land for rice cultivation, but during the dry season, it’s very challenging to irrigate the farm. The losses are often high and unbearable.”

Jean-Pierre, a young resident, added, “I’m looking forward to the job opportunities that will come with the construction. It’s a chance for us to gain skills and support our families.”

Aline, another local farmer, said, “The support from China gives us hope for a better future. Our community will benefit greatly from this development.”

At the signing ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa emphasised the broader significance of the project: “China has been a steadfast development partner for Rwanda, supporting sectors crucial to our development goals. The Giseke Dam and Irrigation Project will play a significant role in the sustainable transformation of agriculture, as outlined in our National Strategy for Transformation.”

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun also underscored the importance of the project in strengthening bilateral ties: “The signing of this agreement is a concrete step towards implementing the 10 partnership actions proposed by President Xi Jinping for China-Africa cooperation. It marks another milestone in the implementation of the important consensus reached between the leaders of China and Rwanda.”

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