In yesterday’s issue, we reported that 9,000 rural households will benefit from three micro-hydropower plants currently under construction in the districts of Rubavu and Rutsiro.

Energy plays a critical role in development, and it is going to be critical in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through direct and indirect processes.

Research has demonstrated that energy plays an important role in poverty reduction and as Rwanda advances in ICT’s, rural electrification will ensure widespread use of ICT’s in the countryside.

As we embark on the 9 –year - basic education programme, availability of energy in the rural areas will guarantee equal opportunities among students both in the villages and urban areas, as education facilities in both settings ranging from computers to laboratories will be powered by electricity.

Indeed all sectors will be it agriculture or health or any other area of human socio-economic endeavour will be transformed, forever, to the benefit of the Rwandan people.

The extension of electricity, particularly to the rural areas does not diminish Rwanda’s determination to explore and use alternative fuels, as current efforts by the Government demonstrate.

Ends