Minister Butare calls for diversification of energy sources

Japanese Ambassador pledges support NORTHERN PROVINCE RULINDO — The Minister of state for Energy Eng. Albert Butare has urged students of Tumba College of Technology (TCT) to put much effort in the production of Bio Gas, as a way of creating alternative sources of energy for cooking and lighting. “Government is committed to diversifying energy sources through creating alternative sources such as Bio gas, methane and solar in addition to hydro energy for industrial and domestic use in order to reduce felling of trees for firewood,” said Butare. Butare further said government is committed to support students acquire skills for production of Biogas energy through bilateral cooperation with the governments of Japan, Netherlands and Germany. “Our plan is to have over 15,000 units of Biogas in the entire country by 2011,” he added. The minister was addressing the students last Friday during his tour of the school. He was accompanied by the Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Shigeo Iwatan San. San pledged his government’s support towards the provision of equipments and skilled experts to enhance diversification of energy sources in the country. “The Government of Japan shall double the support it has been rendering to this institution of higher learning because you used the previous assistance wisely,” he said to a cheering applause from students and staff of the institution. Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, the college’s principal said in addition to training students in ICT, electronics, electrical, telecommunication, Biogas and solar energy installations, the institute has offered short term courses in ICT to Imbuto Foundation best performing high school girl students selected from different areas of the country. Gatabazi hailed the Japanese government for the continued support extended to the college. He cited limited staff quarters, poor accessibility of roads leading to the Institute and lack of experienced staff as among the challenges facing them. During the same function, 25 students who had completed a course in Bio gas technology were awarded certificates. The students were selected from Kicukiro, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye and Tumba technical institutions. “The external students who have just received their certificates in biogas technology shall in turn pass on the knowledge to other students from their technical institutions scattered all over the country,” said Gatabazi. Also present at the function was the Mayor of Rulindo district Justus Kangwaje. Ends