Gicumbi residents decry delay of power connection

GICUMBI - Residents of Kibari and Mulama Cells of Byumba Sector, Gicumbi District have demanded that the Energy Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) explains why they have not yet connected to electricity yet they paid their dues six months ago. Andre Claude Abatarikumwe, a resident of Kibari, said the delay had affected their business plans. “EWSA management asked us to contribute for the connection, which we did, but we don’t know what happened,” said Abatarikumwe, observing that his dream of starting a steel welding workshop is in the balance. The residents said they were told the connection would be completed in June adding that those yet to contribute have withheld their money because there is no progress. They raised over Rwf 3 million towards the power installation project and deposited it on an account at Banque Populaire du Rwanda. The move would have seen over 200 households get connected to the national grid with each contributing Rwf 54,000. “It is only empty talk; we want to know when they are giving us electricity because we’re tired of waiting. We can only be patient after knowing what is going on,” said another area resident. When contacted, the EWSA branch manager in the district, Gilbert Rubayita, acknowledged the delays, but said the installation process had begun. “We have already begun a mapping exercise to see where we can erect the poles and we hope all will be completed by the end of this year,” Rubayita disclosed. Ends

National

Gicumbi residents decry delay of power connection