Roll out program to benefit rural homes with power-RECO-RWASCO

Rwamagana - Plans are in motion to rollout broadband electricity connectivity to all rural areas of Rwanda. “It is under way and, by mid 2013, this connectivity should be available,” said, RECO-RWASCO Director in charge of Electricity supply, Charles Kanyamihigo,. RECO (Electricity) and RWASCO (Water) replaced Electrogaz that was initially charged with water and electricity distribution in the country. While addressing RECO-RWASCO staff and local leaders of Kayonza and Rwamagana Districts, Kanyamuhigo revealed that the five-year program will see 50% Rwandans have access to electricity by 2020. “We have enough power sources; the demand is between 65-70 megawatts, while we have 84 megawatts. We need to always associate power sources with demand,” he said.He added that people within a distance of less than five kilometres will get power. “What we need is maximum cooperation from stakeholders and beneficiaries. There is a Tunisian company that will start the work soon…so we shouldn’t get problems of expropriation as we go for rural electricity connection,” Kanyamihigo said. Meanwhile, the Water Advisor to RECO-RWASCO Managing Director, Jean Bosco Kanyasheja, urged residents to ensure proper connectivity to avoid heavy bills. He reminded consumers that poor connections often hike water bills. “When you leave water to flow freely, you end up paying a high bill unknowingly. So be careful,” he said. Desire Kayiru the Manager RECO-RWASCO Rwamagana branch reiterated the need to clear bills. He said that people who have failed to pay have put the company under heavy losses. He however said that the problems are being handled in courts to find a lasting solution. Kayiru also expressed concern over theft of electricity installations. Ends