Nyaruguru district in massive electricity rollout

NYARUGURU- Nyaruguru district targets to increase electricity connection from the current 1.8 per cent to at least 10 per cent of all its population before the end of this fiscal year.The District Mayor, Francois Habitegeko, says they have prioritised electricity connection for socio-economic development especially in attracting investments. “It helps people, especially the youth, to venture in many fields rather than relying entirely on agriculture for survival,” he said.He noted that the creation of new jobs and the diversification of activities are essential to increasing the standard of living for the population.Electricity poles are being erected in some parts of the district, The New Times observed during a field visit this week.The sectors of Rusenge, Kivu and Ngera are being given first priority because, of now, they do not have any access to electricity, authorities said.“I know our target is ambitious but it is achievable.. We have partners and the support of the central government, and we hope to meet it on time”, Mayor Habitegeko insisted.Asked what is being done to ensure that the target is achieved, he said the district has started to set up infrastructure which will be used to supply the energy to the population.“Judge me in July [2013],” he added, in reference to the end of this fiscal year when they are supposed to have reached their set target.The government has made access to electricity a top priority and is focusing on extending power even to the most rural areas of the country.The target is to generate at least over 1000 MW by 2017, which will allow over 50 per cent of the population to have access to electricity.Currently, various projects to boost energy are underway in various parts of the country.

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Nyaruguru district in massive electricity rollout