The use of environmentally unfriendly Kerosene to light homes, especially in rural areas, is set to reduce following the introduction of solar powered lanterns on the Rwandan market.

This was revealed yesterday during the launch of "K-Light in Rwanda Project”, a solar powered lantern project introduced by an American company, Pisat Solar, in collaboration with Murika Ltd, a consultative firm that deals in solar system installations.

"Statistics show that many people in rural areas use kerosene or firewood for lighting, something that has a detrimental effect on the environment and the health of the user,” Kyle Denning, a professional consultant heading the project said.

"With the solar lanterns, the use of kerosene and lanterns will decrease and the environment will be safer”.

The event which attracted environment authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), also launched its pilot "Beacon Programme” that aims to provide the solar lanterns to vulnerable women for free so that they can start up their own businesses.

"The high technology used in making these lanterns makes them quite expensive, but through the pilot programme, we have given lanterns to over 50 women so that we can evaluate the change it brings to their lives,” Denning said.

He further explained that through the ‘Beacon Programme’ they intend to embark on a countrywide sensitization drive aimed at educating the population about environment protection and sustainable development.

Denning said that a public consultation will be made so that suggestions for improvement of the project and evaluation of its social and environmental impact can be made.

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