Powering the rural communities

Historically, access to electricity marked a major difference between living in a house in town and in a rural house.That dichotomy almost always ensured that those in cities, would enjoy the pleasures of life that come with having electricity – as they prospered, while their fellow rural citizens were almost assured of slow development.This has been the traditional African setting.  Today, in Rwanda the ambition for rural electrification, has been further propelled by Electrogaz in partnership with STEG international services, who moved through Nyagatare district, linking up one rural house after another with electricity.More than 4,000 houses have been lit up in less than two months.The news comes as a tangible sign that the target of having 35 percent of the population powered up by 2020 is no longer a dream but a reality on course.With only 6 percent of the population currently accessing electricity, the government’s target of increasing access to electricity for 16 percent of the population by 2012 can hardly be doubted following the formidable progress in Nyagatare.