The State Minister in charge of Energy and Water, Eng. Coletha Ruhamya, has underscored that her ministry is committed to increase power supply access to 16 percent of the population by the end of next year.

"Currently, 14 percent of Rwandans have access to electricity and this is up from 7 percent in 2009…this shows how serious we are towards achieving that target,” said Ruhamya, during an interview yesterday.

She added that, rural electrification is on track, stressing that the ministry is collaborating with energy companies to extend electricity supply and other energy sources to the local population.

"We still have a year and some few months ahead to reach our goal, so we are trying all our best to make sure that by 2012, 16 percent of Rwandans will have access to electricity supply,” she asserted.

By 2012, the national access rate is expected to increase by 16 percent (up to 350,000 connections) with half of all schools, health facilities and administration offices connected to the national grid by then.

Ruhamya stated that the increase in power access to the population will contribute to economic growth, social development and poverty alleviation.

Wood fuel largely remains the main source of energy among the rural population and majority of city dwellers.

Besides being used for cooking, wood and charcoal are also used in brick making and other activities thus greatly impacting on the environment.

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