NORTHERN PROVINCE GICUMBI— The government on Wednesday launched a credit scheme that will enable Rwandans install biogas plants in their homes on flexible terms. The scheme codenamed ‘Induhuramuryango’ was launched at Groupe Scolaire, Byumba Sector in Gicumbi District, by district and provincial officials. Aimable Munyurangabo, the Banque Populaire Chief Commercial Officer, in whose bank the loan would be channeled, said the total cost for the biogas plant installation is Rwf 800, 000 which will be payable within a period of three years. “The prospective beneficiary is required to pay Rwf 200,000 for the purposes of purchasing some components of building materials. The bank loans out Rwf 300,000 to the beneficiary, while the government grants an additional Rwf300, 000 towards the installation,” said Munyurangabo. Speaking at the occasion, Governor Aime Bosenibamwe, who was the chief guest, called on residents to utilise the loan scheme to enable them acquire a more reliable source of energy. “The use of biogas for cooking and lighting is the only remedy to protecting the environment because the number of people cutting trees for charcoal and firewood will reduce drastically,” he said. The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Kalkman, urged residents to massively apply for the loans, saying the bank would simplify the process of acquiring the credit. “Banque Populaire du Rwanda SA is committed to working closely with government in the One Cow per Family programme, in addition to financing biogas installation projects countrywide,” Kalkman said. Augustine Hategeka, the National Domestic Biogas Programme coordinator in the Ministry of Infrastructure, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting the use of biogas countrywide as an alternative source of energy. Hategeka further added that the Ministry of Infrastructure in collaboration with other development partners is keen to extend electricity to all schools and sector offices countrywide by the year 2011. Ends
