Police light more villages with solar energy

One of the many community development activities that Rwanda National Police (RNP) is currently engaged in as part of the ‘Police Week 2017’, is to connect at least one village with solar home systems, in each of the 30 districts across the country. On Friday, Kirebe Village in Rwimiyaga Sector, Nyagatare District, and Cyabuti Village of Suti Cell, Mugano Sector in Nyamagabe District were added to the growing number of households that have so far been connected since the RNP’s 17th anniversary activities were officially launched on May 16. Minister James Musoni addressing residents of Rwimiyaga At least 103 homes in Kirebe and 93 others in Cyabuti were connected with solar energy.One of the beneficiaries of Kirebe, Emmanuel Manirakiza, who owns a small shop in the area, couldn’t hide his joy saying that life and business have changed since the Village was connected with solar energy.“I operate a retail shop and I couldn’t open beyond 7pm before closing; but ever since police officers came to our village and started connecting every house, a lot changed about my business and social lifestyle. Now I operate up to 11pm because clients are still coming,” said Manirakiza. A light moment in Nyagatare He emphasized that, not only his business has grown but also his personal life and that of the village has changed as well.“I used to walk for two hours to get to where I can charge my cell phone. This is no longer the case. I have even bought a Smartphone since my house was connected because this time I don’t have to worry about the battery doing down in a few hours.”“Our village is very thrilled by this social support; we now walk freely at night because there is a lit bulb at every home; crimes committed in the dark like theft or assault have also reduced tremendously,” he added.The Minister of Infrastructure, James Musoni, who inaugurated the solar systems in Nyagatare, urged beneficiaries to use the solar energy systems to economically transform their lives. He attributed the achievements including the rollout of solar power systems to the good leadership under President Paul Kagame.The event was also attended by the Governor of Eastern Province, Judith Kazayire and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, among others.Governor Kazayire hailed activities of Police Week and pledge to ensure that residents handle the solar energy systems with caution. On his part, IGP Gasana assured Kirebe residents of total security and urges them to feel safe and reassured while performing their daily activities.“Through continued Police-Public partnership and collaboration, we can make Rwanda a crime free country,” said the Police Chief.In Nyamagabe, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, who presided over the handover of the solar systems, thanked the residents for their role in fighting and preventing crime, and urged them to carry on with the spirit of ensuring that their villages are free from any crime.Present was also the mayor of Nyamagabe, Philbert Mugisha.At both sites, Police joined residents in Umuganda to rehabilitate roads, water channels and to renovate houses for the disadvantaged families.

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Police light more villages with solar energy