GISAGARA - District residents early this week welcomed the arrival of an ICT bus, an initiative they say will promote the usage of information and communication technology in rural areas. 

The ICT Bus that was received by district authorities is equipped with 20 laptop computers which are connected to high speed wireless Internet connection. 

Léandre Karekezi, the district mayor, said that apart from creating computer awareness among residents, the ICT buses would also considerably contribute to better and quick service delivery in local administration.

"Apart from benefiting the local population, this bus will facilitate sector and cell leaders who work in remote areas to access ICT services in order for them to fulfill their duties,” said Karekezi.

Local residents who talked to The New Times were upbeat about the benefits that come with the ICT Bus in their district.

"This is a big breakthrough for a district which has no electricity.

We will no longer have to travel to Huye district to access Internet now that the bus is here,” Beatrice Muzirasoni said. 

Hassan Yahaya, the ICT Bus coordinator at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reiterated that the project is meant to boost ICT- based development in the country by facilitating communities in the rural areas to easily access basic information that they need for their economic and social development.

Gisagara district is the second in the Southern Province to receive an ICT Bus after Kamonyi. The two buses which cost over Rwf300 million were offered by the World Bank through the e-Rwanda Project.

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