Cells acquire solar energy

HUYE - Modern Technology Service Company (MTS) last week completed the installation of solar energy panels in 10 sectors of the district. The project cost the district over Rwf20million, as part of the district’s long term plan to have all its 66 Cells with no access to electricity, to access solar energy. Jean Marie Vianney Munyanziza, the district officer in charge of infrastructure said that the installation of solar energy in remote cells’ offices is aimed at better service delivery to the population. In Buvumo Cell of Mukura sector, residents welcomed the installation of solar energy calling it a catalyst for development. “We will be able to re-charge our mobile phones at the Cell offices. We no longer have to trek long distances to have our phones re-charged,” said Alexis Utazirubanda, a resident of Buvumo cell. Janvier Kayiranga, the executive secretary of Nayakibanda cell in Gishamvu Sector appreciated the districts’ efforts to install solar energy in cells. “Rural electrification is enshrined in Vision 2020, it is gratifying to see that we are achieving that vision here. I can now use my portable computer thanks to solar energy,” he said. Only a small percent of the population in the district has access to electricity and the district plan is to achieve 35 percent power coverage by the year 2020. Ends