WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — An official of Rwanda Telecommunications in Rubavu district has warned residents against continuous theft of the company’s equipment. Emile Munyandamutsa said the act affects communication services in the country.

"I appeal to residents to help us achieve our aims of providing Rwandans with efficient, affordable, reliable, sustainable and cost effective high-quality services which we hope will contribute to the country’s development.”

He warned of severe punishment for any one who would be arrested. The warning comes days after unidentified criminals who are still at large, stole the company’s equipment worth millions.

The equipment included 50 meters of wires in Gisimbi cell near BRALIRWA. The incident led to cutting off communication to some parts of the districts but it has since been reinstalled.

"Such people are not only a menace to the company but also to the entire population. Communication is important in almost every activity. It helps people in business and many other aspects. I therefore call upon all people to report such criminals to the relevant authorities,” he said.

According to police cable thieves normally sell their stolen items to the neighboring DR Congo’s town of Goma ‘at very cheap prices.’ Police says with the help of residents and Rwandatel they would curb the theft.

"We are aware of the problem and a standing against such people. These are new cases which make us think some residents have found market for such telecommunication equipment in the neighboring town of Goma. We suspect it is where they are sold,” police said. Residents in the areas strongly condemned the practice which they said affected their daily activities.

"Other telephone networks are not clear here. That’s why we mostly rely on fixed Rwanda Tel lines,” explained Fred Murara a resident.

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