UTEXRWA, Rwanda’s only textile producing company has secured a $400,000 that will facilitate the production of at least 70, 000 malaria bed nets.

These will make the company the only textile firm that  manufactures the treated bio-nets for local people.

"We are ready to produce the first 70,000 nets in two weeks time from now and we produce the second phase in May 2010. Another 70,000 nets.” said Raj Rajendran Utexrwa’s Managing Director in an interview with The New Times.

The project has been boosted by support from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Bralirwa and the Ministry of Health which have provided technical and financial support.

Rajendran revealed that the production line has already been installed and technicians have been undergoing training.

According to Rajendran, their ultimate target is to invest $12 million in 3-4 years with an aim of employing 2,000 employees from the current 740.

He revealed that the project will have the capacity to produce over 12 million nets per year for local and the export markets.

He also said that there is a huge demand on the continent this year and hence Rwanda will have a capacity of producing for local and regional export.

John Peter Moll currently the Thailand Textile Institute advisor, said that UTEXRWA has all it takes to manufacture the nets.

Peter Moll was sponsored by UNIDO Rwanda as an expert to offer technical advise.

"I’m very confident that Rwanda will be able to run the project and UTEXRWA has good environment for the project as it has been having good progress in its products,” Peter Moll said.

He further said that Rwanda will be the only country to produce long lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINS) which have high demand.

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