Schools to shift from firewood to biogas

RUHANGO - In an effort to promote the use of environmental friendly energy in the country, the government will finance the construction of biogas facilities in the three major schools of the Southern Province, to a tune of Rwf192m. The three schools will be the pilot centers before the programme is rolled out to schools across the country. The three schools include; St. Joseph Kabgayi, Ecole des Sciences Byimana, and Notre Dame de Lourdes, all located in Muhanga and Ruhango districts. These pilot schools will, however, have to contribute 20% of the total cost for the construction of the biogas plants. The State Minister of Infrastructure, Eng. Colette Ruhamya, said that “Government intends to extend the programme to various institutions and communities in a bid to improve the social welfare of residents”. While touring the schools, Eng. Ruhamya added that the population should be able to shift from using firewood to other cost effective types of energies that are also environmental friendly and affordable. According to reports, over 50 personnel are undergoing training at Tumba College of Technology. The head teacher of Notre Dame d’Lourde, Sr. Marie de la Charity Mukamukiga, said that the government support will massively reduce the cost of using firewood in schools. “The school spent over Rwf 5M on firewood in 2009. This was costly and yet unavoidable,” Mukamukiga said. Ends

National

Schools to shift from firewood to biogas