Nkombo Island gets electricity

RUSIZI - Nkombo Island in Rusizi District yesterday officially celebrated the great connection to the national electricity grid. The connection was made through erection of electric cables some as long as 700 metres that spanned above Lake Kivu to Nkombo Island. The electricity will be used by more than 1000 people in Nkombo, Gihundwe and Nkanka sectors. State Minister for Energy and Water, Collette Ruhamya urged people to use the newly installed power to their advantage. “Electricity is one of the pillars of development. Exploit it to develop your standard of living. Use it to invest in small and big income generating activities,” advised the Minister. Western Province Governor, Celestine Kabahizi hailed the government for the big achievement. “Connection to the national grid by residents of this location can be said to be the result of good governance brought about by a government that cares for its people,” remarked the Governor. Excited residents thanked and credited President Paul Kagame for fulfilling his campaign promise. “Eight months back, while requesting for our votes, the president promised to give us electricity. To many of us, electricity was a dream, never to get realized because of the location of Nkombo. For sure, our president fulfilled his promise, like he usually does,” stated Thomas Matiku, a resident. Director General, for Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority {EWSA}, Yves Muyange reassured residents that a project to extend power to a few sectors still lacking it in Rusizi and Nyamasheke is underway.Bweyeye, Butare and Nkungu are the sectors lacking electricity in Rusizi.Muyange warned residents about the dangers of electricity, if misused. Ends