NYAGATARE-The connection of Kagitumba border post to the national electricity grid has seen new businesses crop up in Kagitumba and existing ones realise record profits
 
"A number of electricity-reliant businesses have not been carried out in this areabefore,” said James Bononne, a businessman in the area.

"We have now established small businesses like saloons and cinema theatres. These could not be done without electricity”.

The government under the Economic Development and Poverty reduction strategy (EDPRS) earmarked a Rwf 3.9 billion (US $6m) rural electrification project to accelerate electricity roll out across the country within the next five years.

Connecting Kagitumba, in particular, was a promise made by President Paul Kagame.

"For instance, I can earn a monthly profit of over Rwf400,000 from my salon business due to availability of electricity. I could not afford this using a generator,” Joshua Ndagijimana, a businessman said.

Annet Mudafunga, a bar owner in the area, told The New Times that the connection of electricity in the area had facilitated in incease in the number of patrons.

"At first we had no patrons because we could not serve cold drinks. Most of them could cross the border to Sofia town in neighbouring Uganda where there is electricity. But this is a thing of the past,” Mudafunga said.

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