The past two decades have been tough and challenging for Peninah Mukarwemera. After losing her children and many of her relatives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the resident of Nzega cell in Nyamagabe District was practically condemned to a poverty-stricken life. But on Friday, Mukarwemera was all smiles as she spoke of her restored hope and optimism. This was after receiving a cow, water, electricity connectivity and other gifts from employees of the Rwanda Energy Group and Rwanda Water and Sanitation Corporation, the off-springs of the former Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA). “I am hopeful that my life will now transform thanks to your support,” Mukarwemera said. Mukarwemera is one of the 30 Genocide survivors living in Gasaka Sector, Nyamagabe who have benefited from the support programme. Under the initiative, the survivors saw their houses connected to the national electricity grid and given access to water, while the ten most vulnerable among them received cows. Foodstuff, clothes, radio sets and home utensils were also donated to the survivors to help uplift their living standards. Annonciata Mukakabanda, 83, another beneficiary was also grateful. “I lived as a destitute, depending on handouts from the local government. At times, I thought society had abandoned me,” Mukakabanda said. “But this clearly shows that Rwandans do think and care about the poor among them,” she said. Jean Bosco Mugiraneza, the CEO, Rwanda Energy Group, said the body had made similar gestures in other parts of the country and pledged continued support to vulnerable Genocide survivors. “This donation doesn’t mean that all their problems are solved. But we will remain close to them,” he said. Earlier, the employees visited Murambi Genocide memorial to pay respect to over the 50,000 Genocide victims buried there.
