Residents of Nyanga Cell in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District, have decried the state of roads in the area and lack of access to electricity and mobile telephone network.

In what they termed as "isolation”, the residents appealed to government to extend electricity to the area so that they can "fit in the development pace.”

The residents said they lagged behind in development due to lack of power and other basic needs.

Justin Muvunyi, a resident, said they have requested Rwanda Energy Company (Rec) for electricity but the efforts have been futile.

Muvunyi said some of the residents have never watched television in life, which he said was not justifiable.

"Our neighbouring cells have electricity, why should we remain in darkness? We cannot develop without power. We need grinding machines for maize, rice and other grains we grow,” he said.

Claudine Mukagakumba, another resident, said the cell was struggling to get connected with other parts of the district due to poor roads.

She said the village’s lack of basic needs was exacerbated by lack of mobile telephone network.

"We had to dump the cell phones we had acquired because apart from lack of electricity, there is no network,” she said.

"We have been struggling to construct roads to connect us to other parts of the district. We construct temporary bridges that always give in to heavy rains.”

‘Efforts underway’

Mukagakumba claimed that none of the residents in her cell has benefitted from the Gir’Inka (cattle stocking) programme.

Emmanuel Mbituyimana, the cell leader, said they were working to address the situation.

"We were caught in an unfortunate situation. Our cell is ‘hidden’ among sectors that have many livestock farmers, so there has been a misconception that all residents have cows. But this year, changes were made and the residents will benefit,” he said.

Reacting to the concerns, Kayonza mayor John Mugabo said the district was mobilizing resources to address the issues.

"The people of the area will be mobilised mobilised to extend electricity in their homes. The line is just nearby. Murundi as a whole is now under the Vision 2010 Umurenge programme, it will get direct support that includes public works like roads,” Mugabo said.

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