Traders in Rwamagana district central market last Saturday beamed with excitement after the market was connected to the national power grid.

A number of business people who talked to The New Times from their stalls expressed happiness.

Jean de Dieu Kagubare, a businessman with a stall in the market said with electricity he would work for more hours than before.

"I can now start my work at 6.00 a. m and end at 8 p.m, which can translate into increased overall profits. "I used to start at 8.am and end at 4 pm,” he said.

"We used to battle with thieves who would take advantage of the dark, but this is gone.”

Daniel Niyonzima, a secondary school teacher in Rwamagana said that the connection specially benefits those who retire from work late.

"I buy food after work. This means arriving at the market around 7.pm or
7.30 pm. But by this time the market would be closed. We were being inconvenienced,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of Kigabiro Sector, Valerie Rubibi said, "Electricity connection in this market was long overdue. The clients and businesspersons needed light. It took time due to some technicalities involved. I am happy that it has been done.”

The monthly electricity bills and maintenance will be footed by businesspersons   operating in the market.

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