Residents of Rudakabukirwa model village in Gikomero sector, Gasabo District will no longer have to worry about where to get money to buy kerosene or candles for lighting, thanks to a donation of solar home systems from HQ Power Rwanda, a renewable energy producer.

The peat power firm donated solar power equipment to 19 vulnerable households last week. The beneficiaries are survivors of the 1994 Tutsi Genocide living an Integrated Development Programme (IDP) model (Rudakabukirwa) village built by ADEPR church in 2015.

Hakan Karasoy, the HQ Power CEO, said the company is committed to supporting government initiatives targeting development of vulnerable communities to improve their living standards.

He said the beneficiaries were selected by the local authorities, adding that the donation is part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility programme. "We are hopeful the beneficiaries will use the power to carry out income-generating projects apart from using it to recharge their phones,” Karasoy said.

HQ Power is currently working on a three-year 80MW peat project in Gisagara District that is expected to be completed in 2019.

Louis de Gonzague Rwamucyo, the executive secretary of Gikomero sector, thanked HQ Power for their support, saying the company has made a ‘significant’ contribution toward helping the local administration in addressing some of the challenges faced by families in the model village.

"This is an indication that more stakeholders are willing to support the country in its reconstruction process and development efforts. The beneficiaries are no longer going to struggle with electricity shortage, their school-going children will now be able to revise their books at night,” he said.

Electricity coverage in Gikomero sector is at 70 per cent, but Rwamucyo revealed the local authorities are working to ensure total power coverage in the near future.