Burundi president praises China-constructed dam

BUJUMBURA－Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Tuesday inaugurated the Ruzibazi hydropower dam, which was constructed with Chinese financial and technical assistance.

The ceremony took place at Ruzibazi, 43 kilometers south of the commercial capital Bujumbura, and was attended by many dignitaries, including Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping and other Burundian officials.

Ndayishimiye presented certificates of honor to seven Chinese nationals who contributed to the construction of the dam.

"The construction of this hydropower dam is a result of traditional bilateral relations between China and Burundi. We're very thankful," Ndayishimiye said in his remarks.

He said cooperation between Burundi and China has always been solid since the two countries sealed bilateral cooperation in 1963. China has accompanied Burundi in a sincere and fraternal way.

"China has been accompanying us in all our projects. China actively supports us in the farming sector through the development of the seed industry and the development of the fishing industry," Ndayishimiye said.

He said the construction of the Ruzibazi hydropower dam is a testament to China's commitment to helping Burundi boost production in agriculture and other sectors, as energy is needed in everyone's life.

"I feel immense joy today as I participate in this ceremony of inaugurating this hydropower dam," said Zhao, stressing that the ceremony has an important meaning for the cooperation between China and Burundi, characterized by sincerity and fraternity.

She said the Chinese company that constructed the dam faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the speed of construction.

Xinhua