• Reference: P-BI-FA0-002
• Approval date: 05/07/2007
• Start date: 24/08/2007
• Appraisal Date: 22/12/2006
• Status: On goingOnGo
• Location: Etendue du territoire burundais
• Implementing Agency: MINISTERE DE L'AMENAGEMENT DU TERRITOIRE

Context

Despite significant hydroelectric potential, Burundi’s energy sector is characterized by a deficit resulting mainly from the effects of recurrent conflicts that marked the development of the country over the 1993-2003 decade. These conflicts have heightened the sector’s difficulties and disrupted it. Energy infrastructure has been destroyed and the implementation of sector programs  abandoned. The gradual improvement of the country’s general situation has resulted in increased energy consumption, especially of electricity. Current capacity is insufficient to meet demand. It was against this backdrop that the Ministry of Finance transmitted to the Bank by letter no. 540/0123/2005 dated 20 January 2005 a request for financing and project information sheets with a view to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and general development of the energy sector.

Rational

The project is in keeping with the priorities and strategic options for Burundi's energy sector stemming from the country’s energy policy which is based on the Government’s General Programme. This policy places particular emphasis on infrastructure rehabilitation and energy sector development activities. The project is in keeping with Burundi’s PRSP, in which the infrastructure gap is one of the primary obstacles to poverty reduction. The electricity sector is, therefore,  classified as a top priority for the country and its principal donors.  Although willing to be involved on the one hand, achieving the required growth and the MDGs is a difficult task.

Objective

Rehabilitation of facilities that will allow reduction of losses and provision of surplus energy to meet additional demand as a result of the extensions.

Description

The measures aimed at halting degradation and improving network yields:

1. rehabilitation of hydroelectric power stations,
2. construction of two transformer plants in Bujumbura,
3. rehabilitation and expansion of the MV and LV networks;
4. establishment of new connections and installation of new meters.

The project includes the following components:

1. Rehabilitation of Generating Units
2. Rehabilitation and Extension of the MV/LV networks
3. Public Connections and Street Lighting
4. Logistical and Operating Equipment  
5. IT and Management Equipment
6. Studies, Supervision, and Training
7. Project Administration and Management
8. Audit of Project Accounts.

 

Impact

Meeting energy needs is a daily concern for urban as well as rural populations.  
Ease of access to modern energies, intensification and acceleration of their substitution for traditional energies to meet household energy needs will have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of the beneficiaries. Household constraints on women will be gradually reduced in favour of income-generating activities in areas which will benefit from access to productive electric energy. In addition, electrification will also generally contribute to making the living environment more pleasant for all those with access to it.

DJAIGBE Pierre - OINF3

Finance source	Amount
ADF	UAC 7,320,000
Government	UAC 1,900,000
Total	UAC 9,220,000