Residents of Nyaruguru District, Ruheru sector, Remera Sector, Southern province of Rwanda have benefitted a new 38Kwt Pico Hydro Power Plant that will supply power to 260 households.
The event that was launched on 30th, September 2019 marked the official operation of Mudasomwa Pick Hydro power plant that will supply power to 6 bars and restaurants, 1 tailoring business, 6 grocery shops, 1 cyber café, 1 cassava mills, 2 primary schools, 1 health center and 3 churches and 1 cell office.
The plant was constructed by Mudasomwa Mini-Grid Ltd which is jointly owned by private developer and community through a community ownership model. The SOGER programme was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the Swedish Embassy in Kigali.
The objective of the programme is to contribute to the growth of a sustained off-grid renewable energy market in Rwanda.
In addition to providing light to the households and businesses, the energy company supports local entrepreneurs to acquire productive use of appliances to take advantage of the new electricity to contribute to the economic development of the area and boost new business services. At present, a tailoring business, a cyber café, milling, sewing’s, plumbing and a popcorn business have been already supported by Energy4Imapct to acquire electrical appliances to expand existing businesses and create new services.
“Energy4impact funded 70% equivalent to
125,000usd appliance cost through SOGER grant, as remaining 30% was funded by the entrepreneurs through their savings,” According to Robert Mutarindwa, Business Development Coordinator, Energy4impact.
“With the productive use support, demand for electricity is expected to grow thus enhancing project commercial viability and sustainability Energy 4 Impact offers these entrepreneurs/businesses training in business management skills (such as record keeping, marketing, and customer care), vocational training on appliance usage, health and safety standards at workplace,” He added
Beneficiaries speak out
Ntakirutimana marthee, one of the beneficiaries, said she had a maize milling machine to make maize flour and consumers would complain that the foods have a poor quality with bad smell, thus, after getting the energy hopes are high that they will get satisfied.
Uwimana Claudine, said, electricity helped them to get the materials for electrical sewing machines. “Besides, our children will be able to study during the night and able to revise their books and streets lights will enable us working longer hours during the night,” he added.
The Express News
