FEATURED: Relief as Ndiza residents get on-grid power connectivity

Over 800 households in Rongi and Nyabinoni sectors, a region known as Ndiza in Muhanga District, are currently enjoying on-grid electricity as Rwanda Energy Group (REG) continues to extend energy to households across the country. With a power line that cuts across River Nyabarongo, this electricity was brought from Ngororero District at a distance of around 12.8 kilometers. Apart from households being connected, this electricity will also serve 23 productive users including markets, health centers, schools and business centers. Two Integrated Development Programme (IDP) model villages will also benefit from this electricity. These include Muyebe model village built in 2012 with a total of 188 households and Horezo model village which is currently under construction, with at least 25 housing units of 4 in 1 shape. Other establishments at the new model village include a 12-year Basic Education School and an Early Childhood Development (ECD), all expected to get connected with electricity to benefit 100 vulnerable families set to be accommodated at the village. Aimable Ndayisaba, the Executive Secretary of Rongi Sector whose residents are set to benefit from the energy project has called on the new beneficiaries to make the best out of the electricity provided in the area. “There was no electricity in our sector, and some business activity was very low and had a very short life cycle due to lack of electricity. But now, thanks to the electricity connectivity, more jobs are going to be created to benefit a larger community,” he said. Ndayisaba revealed that, despite the fact that the area is home to large mineral reserves, productivity was still lower than expected due to substandard machinery used in mining activities. However, he is confident standard machines will be brought in with reliable electricity supply now guaranteed. The power connectivity project has also enabled to set up a water pumping facility which will supply clean water from Muhabwa water source to Nyabinoni and Rongi sectors. Joseph Rwicaninyoni, a 64-year-old businessman in Nyarusozi Cell of Nyabinoni Sector, said connectivity will help them start more businesses that require electricity such as milling, welding and hairdressing. “This is a huge boost to our businesses. Our development has been greatly affected by lack of electricity. The implication is that we can now increase working hours while more business projects are going to come up and we shall be able to get services for which we walked kilometres to access previously,” he said. According to Regis Batangana, the REG Branch Manager in Muhanga, 38 per cent of households in Muhanga are now accessing to electricity, with 27 per cent connected to the grid while 11 per cent have off-grid electricity. Batangana is confident the electricity is a major enabler towards changing people’s welfare. “Obviously, this area needed electricity to improve the community’s social and economic welfare. We expect the energy to play a key role in improving service delivery in different sectors, especially in health, education while more business needed it to grow,” he said. The Government of Rwanda targets 100% power coverage by 2024, with 52 per cent of on-grid electricity and 48 per cent of off-grid electricity.

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FEATURED: Relief as Ndiza residents get on-grid power connectivity