Building Resilience to Flood Hazards in North-West Rwanda through Improved National and Local Capacity

This grant supports the preparation of technical studies and analytical work, particularly hydrological modeling and flood-risk mapping; the development of a national early warning platform, and an operationalized flood forecasting and early warning system (EWS) as well as decision support tools for at-risk communities in the Sebeya river basin of northwest Rwanda; and provides specific expertise for the training of appropriate agencies and communities at national and local levels. It will also mobilize leading experts to guide Government of Rwanda counterparts on the management of flood risk in accordance with globally accepted best practices.A request for additional funding was made and approved in March 2020. The additional funding adds a fourth component to the project, which will contribute to the hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling/analyses of selected flood-prone areas for Kigali. The hydrological/hydrodynamic model of Kigali will focus on confirming short-term flood risk reduction and hybrid infrastructure investments to be contracted under the Rwanda Urban Development Project Phase II (RUDP-II) and flood hazard maps for Kigali. This TF made it possible to extend the hydrological/hydrodynamic model funded by a GFDRR MDTF TF for Kigali to additional hotspots and wetlands prioritized by the Government of Rwanda.This fourth component will also cover a TA to identify applicable and feasible Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for Kigali. NBS will be assessed in neighborhoods targeted for urban upgrading and zones along wetlands to be rehabilitated under RUDP II. The results of the study will inform how NBS can be integrated into grey infrastructure investments and urban development plans of Kigali, including best practices to maintain them, and policy recommendations.