300 rural schools to get solar energy

Government is set to invest heavily in solar energy and other sources of alternative energy to meet power demands especially in rural areas.The Minister of State in charge of Energy and Water, Françoise Emma Isumbingabo, said this while addressing residents of Rwamagana during celebrations to mark the World Energy Day yesterday.The ceremony was attended among others; by the Minister for Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, and the Governor of Eastern province Odette Uwamariya.Isumbingabo said that a number of public infrastructure, including schools and health centres, were to benefit from the programme.“At least 300 schools located far from the main grids will be provided with solar power by end of the year. And 46 health centres will also get the solar power. The whole idea is to maximise power supply in the country,” she said.The minister further acknowledged the impact of biogas in homes and institutions.Protecting environment “We need to emphasise on biogas...it has greatly reduced expenses in Nsinda Prison. Cooking used to take a huge budget but it has now been reduced to almost to zero”.Reacting to testimony by one farmer, Providence Uwantege, who embraced the use of biogas, Isumbingabo encouraged each household to start using biogas.“We need to protect environment by reducing on the use of firewood.”Meanwhile, the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) country representative Ulrike Maenner said that GIZ had partnered with the government to support programmes designed to transfer renewable energy technologies.She commended private sector companies for their provision of affordable power systems to poor customers in rural areas.“At least 10 million people will soon benefit from modern power plants worldwide. A new programme to provide quality solar line and renewable energy is in the pipe line. The two energy projects are expected to start by January 2014,” she said.At least 3,252 households use biogas in Rwanda.

National

300 rural schools to get solar energy