Assessing the Impact of Transmission Lines on Rural Economic Development in Rwanda. A Case of Mamba Rwabusoro Transmission Line in Bugesera and Kicukiro District (2017-2023)

This study aimed to evaluate the validity of three key objectives: (1) assessing the activities involved in transmission line construction in rural areas, (2) evaluating the economic development in rural areas covered by the Mamba-Rwabusoro transmission line project, and (3) examining the impact of transmission line construction on the economic development of rural communities in the project area. The research methodology integrated survey, descriptive, correlative, qualitative, and quantitative approaches. Both primary and secondary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. Primary data were gathered using structured questionnaires distributed to a purposive sample of beneficiaries of the Mamba-Rwabusoro transmission line, supplemented by interviews with project managers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists), with results presented in descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that transmission line construction activities significantly contribute to rural economic development, with the Mamba-Rwabusoro project demonstrating a clear and positive impact. A strong correlation was identified between the development of transmission lines and expropriation costs, which accounted for 23% of rural economic development in Rwanda. However, the study also highlighted challenges in the expropriation process, such as delays in payment and land use issues, recommending revisions to expropriation terms, including adjusted prices, faster payment procedures, and simplified requirements for affected landowners. This study holds significant value for project developers, particularly in the energy and environmental sectors, as well as for future researchers. Its findings can guide project developers in addressing expropriation issues effectively and assist local authorities in ensuring that affected individuals receive timely compensation with the necessary documentation.