The project being implemented by Solektra Int. is a joint venture of the Senegalese-American singer Alioune Badara Thiam aka Akon, his fellow Senegalese-American Thione Niang and Malian entrepreneur Samba Bathily.
Unveiling Saturday the street lighting units, a village water pump and three ambulances Ndego, Solektra Int CEO Samba Bathily said the $250,000 worth facilities constitute the first phase of the project.
The facilities were developed in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board in its revenue sharing programme with the communities neighbouring with the national game parks.
The beneficiaries are neighbours with Akagera National Park.
Bathily said the second phase will offer irrigation systems, solar systems for primary and secondary schools, and a smart village centre in Ndego and Rwinkwavu sectors.
It is expected to be completed in the next three months at a tune of $500,000.
Bathily also participated in gorilla naming Friday in Musanze District where 23 gorilla infants received names. The Malian philanthropist named one ‘Ineza’ meaning charity.
Germaine Kamayirese, Minister of State in charge of Energy and Water at the Ministry of Infrastructure, urged Ndego residents to preserve the facilities and use them to improve their living.
Innocent Shingiro, a resident of Ndego, said the ambulances, water and power will help them live better.
During his visit to Rwanda in July 2015, Akon had promised to fast-track his project in six months but nothing was done until May 2017 as Kamayirese’s advisor Alexis Karani told IGIHE.
With the budget of $1 billion, Akon Lighting Africa seeks to provide solar energy to 600 million rural residents in 30 African countries.
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