The $340million Rusumo hydroelectric power project being implemented by Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda will be redesigned.
The redesign could see at least 5MW added to the joint regional project which initially had a target of 80MW.
This, according to reports, emerged recently during a meeting of ministers responsible for energy from the three countries.
As of last month,the overall implementation of the project was 82 percent with connection of the first power slated for December this year.
Initially the first phase of the multi-million dollar project was expected to be completed this year end.
However, contractors recently suggested that it should be extended by three to four months for the target to be accomplished.
Claver Gatete, the Rwandan minister for Infrastructure chairs the Council of Ministers in charge of energy who are overseeing implementation of the project.
He said Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the importation process for the construction materials needed, especially for powerhouse downstream walls.
The arrival of experts from abroad, notably Europe and China, was also affected by the pandemic, he pointed out.
"We have been importing construction materials from Europe, China and everywhere. The shipment has been delayed", he said.
Mr. Gatete added that the redesigning would see some new features added to the project, noting that the budget would allow.
The redesigned structures would make it easier to sell power from one country to another from the switchyard which is on the Rwanda side.
The project is being implemented under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme (NELSAP).
It is mandated to facilitate jointly agreed transformative regional trans-boundary cooperative projects tapping the Nile Basin water resources.
Last month during a meeting of the Controller and Auditors General from the three countries, it was reported that the project will be delayed because of discrepancies in tax exemption issues.
Other challenges faced by the contractors included flaws in procurement and deficiencies in feasibility studies.
Transmission lines for electricity within Tanzania will extend for 94km from Rusumo to Nyakanazi, 161km to Rwanda, and 194km to Burundi.
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