RWAMAGANA - The Kigali Institute of Technology (KIST), Tuesday, officially handed over a biogas plant constructed at Nsinda Central Prison in Rwamagana District, Eastern Province.

The project, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was undertaken as part of efforts to cut down on use of firewood as a source of energy at the prison.

The biogas system uses human and animal waste.
During the ceremony, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Mary Gahonzire, said that the plant will be maintained, as part of the government’s commitment to protect the environment.

"We used to spend over Rwf3m per month on firewood… With the use of biogas, this expenditure is expected to reduce by 70 percent,” Gahonzire said.

Professor John Mshana, the Vice Rector in Charge of Academic Affairs at KIST, pointed out that the development and transfer of technology to the rural community is one of the objectives of the institution.

He noted that the biogas project has been one of the successful among many of their projects, adding that KIST will continue to lead the campaign against using firewood.

"Biogas use in Rwanda has taken a firm stand…it has consequently checked environmental degradation. So, we want it disseminated further in all rural areas,” he said.

Christophe Hartmann, the head of the ICRC delegation, hailed the government for improving conditions in prisons.

Progress has been made in installation of biogas plants in 10 out of the 14 prisons in the country, subsequently reducing firewood costs by up to 50%.

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