WB’s Muasher concludes visit to Rwanda

KIGALI - World Bank Vice President Marwan Muasher, concluded his three-day visit to Rwanda with a call on Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The world financial institution boss was hosted by KIST Rector, Professor Abraham Atta Ogwu to an informal roundtable discussion with students and lecturers on the role of information and technology Rwanda’s economy and in communicating economic reforms. “The mission of the visit to KIST is to know the role of the institute to the growth of Rwanda’s Economy,” Muasher said. Muasher was taken on a guided tour of the school’s facilities including Cottage industries, laboratories, Information and telecommunication (ICT) Centre and KIST Guest house. Muasher said that his visit to the country was purposely to visit the different projects financed by the World Bank, Government activities, civil society and private sector to learn the challenges they meet in order to look for solutions. According to him, “Rwanda is a good example in development amongst post conflict countries.” During his visit, Muasher urged rice farmers in Bugesera District to increase production. The rice project in the district is supported by the World Bank under the Rural Sector Support Project (RSSP). The project uses clean water in the growing of rice in wetlands of Rwabikwano. This project has earned farmers enough income which helps them support their daily needs including medical bills and school fees. The World Bank Senior Vice President for External Affairs, also visited the new thermal power plant at Jabana, and expressed satisfaction over the project. Under a joint financial support of the WB and the government of Rwanda, the national utilities cooperation, ELECTROGAZ has completed construction of a 20 MW power plant, described by technicians as the biggest power plant in the country. The project that began early 2008 and completed last month saw the WB sink in $ 15 million while the government contributed $12m and ELECTROGAZ itself sunk in 1,290,798 Euros. During the visit, Muasher said he was impressed by the project, and said he was gratified by the fact that his institution was part of the implementation. “This is a very modern plant and it will help overcome the energy challenges facing Rwanda,” he said in an interview after touring the plant. He pledged further support from the World Bank. Ends