The project will be implemented under the Scaling Off-Grid Energy in Rwanda (SOGER) project.
Expected to be completed in June, the plant is being constructed at Nyankorogoma River in Mpanga Sector.
The Project Coordinator, Victor Hakuzwumuremyi said that the plant will provide 13 kilowatts and will provide access to electricity to 145 households and attract different income generating activities like haircutting saloons, grinding machines and welding workshops among others.
He said the plant will cost $85,000 (over Rwf72 million). The project was funded by Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) which will provide 70% of the total cost, Mpanga residents will provide 7%, Investor Israël Habimana 10% and the remaining 13% will come from Commercial Bank.
“Electricity services cost much in this region, they need to travel long for charging their mobile phones, so, they got an idea of making electricity from that river and we committed to partner and provide with them what they desire,” he said.
“This is a people’s project, though they will provide some monthly contribution for the plant to continue exist, but, it will cost them less than they used to,” he added.
Jonatilde Shirumuteto, a resident of Mpanga Sector said that they expect much from the electricity.
“We will engage in different income generating activities like tailoring among others. Currently, these who have solar power charge us Rwf50 for recharging our mobile phones batteries,” she said.
Kirehe District Mayor, Gérald Muzungu commended the project partners and Mpanga residents for combining efforts to make the project possible.
“This is a good example of how we can find solutions from ourselves, this model should be replicated in other sectors,” he said.
Nyarugenge Sector of Nyarugenge District had this week banned the use of speakers on Mosques and urged Muslims to use other means that would not cause noise pollution.
Speaking to IGIHE, the spokesperson for Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC), Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya said that after being informed about the decision, Muslim leaders approached different government institutions and were later allowed to use speakers on the condition that they reduce sound and don’t affect other people.
“First of all there is adhan (Islamic call to worship), it will continue as usual with low voice calling worshipers from around the Mosque. The new move says that we will inform people from around the Mosque as they are the ones praying from there, and of course it is necessary to inform worshipers about the time to pray. No Mosque is in charge informing all city dwellers, which was a mistake and is now made clear,” he explained.
He said that after adhan, the prayer leader will not use speaker by preaching people from inside and affect people from outside in their businesses.
Sindayigaya added that in the morning, prayer starts when some people still sleeping which is why it is not necessary to use speakers.
He thanked the government for the fruitful discussions saying that the decision by Nyarugenge Sector was not very clear. He said that the Muslim community will adhere to new regulations.
The ban on speakers on Mosques followed the clampdown on sub-standard churches across the country.
Moreover the programme is bridging gender equality gaps in agriculture and ensuring women’s equal participation in the value chain.
In Gasovu, Muhanga District, a small village if you walk past the fields of maize mid-day, you’ll find women farmers sitting in a circle, using their smartphones as they take a break. But they are not checking Facebook updates or Twitter streams; they are getting crucial weather and market information that will help them grow and sell their harvest. And, it’s revolutionizing their farming and marketing skills.
“Before, we used to struggle to know the exact size of our land,” says Christine Mukarukundo, a maize farmer and member of the Tuzamurane Cyeza Cooperative in Muhanga district.
“As a result, farmers were unable to predict their level of production, which made negotiating with buyers and financial institutions difficult” she added.
Through a digital, mobile-enabled “Buy from Women” platform, farmers can know the exact size of their land and forecast the production. The platform connects small holder farmers (men and women) to the agricultural supply and value chain and provides them with critical information on weather, market prices and incoming opportunities via text messages.
UN Women, in partnership with World Food Programme’s Patient Procurement Platform (PPP), launched this innovative platform in June 2016, and it will be implemented in 10 cooperatives over the course of the next nine months.
In total, 699 women from two farming cooperatives in Gatsibo district in Eastern Province and one in Muhanga district in Southern Province have already registered. The registration process for the platform includes a mapping of farmers’ land plots, which is then used to generate a yield forecast.
The platform improves farmers’ capacity to produce marketable surplus, provides real time financial information and increases their market access, especially for women farmers, who were traditionally not involved in all parts of the value chain. Now both women and men farmers can negotiate better deals with buyers and financial institutions.
Some participating cooperatives have signed advance contracts with reputed buyers, such as the Rwanda Grains and Cereals Corporation.
“We used to sign contracts with buyers and not be able to meet its terms, especially related to supplies, because farmers would sell part of their produce on the side. Now with this system, everyone will know in advance the quantity of produce that they are required to bring at the Cooperative, and this will motivate everyone to meet the requirement and aim to produce surplus,” explains Beatrice Mukanoheli, another member and adviser of the Tuzamurane Cyeza Cooperative.
With real-time information that the platform provides, farmers are also able to make better decisions to adapt to climate variability by adjusting the planting time and making better use of fertilizers.
The programme, currently in its pilot phase, has received financial support from the Government of China.
While visiting the programme site, Ambassador of China, Mr. Pan Hejun said, “China is committed to providing technical support to Rwanda, especially in relation to technology development in agriculture. Agriculture is an important sector to the Chinese economy as it is in Rwanda.”
By focusing on women’s empowerment, the programme is also educating farmers on gender equality issues, with the aim of bridging the gender gap in agriculture and ensuring women’s equal participation in all areas of the value chain, including in the front line negotiations and decision-making. Following the harvest season and assessment of the programme next year, UN Women plans to scale it up in other parts of the country.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Vice-Mayor of Bugeresa District, Priscille Uwiragiye said that it struck yesterday around 3:00pm.
“Lightning struck the building, but luckily there were no people inside. There were heavy rains with lightning. In the building, there were computers and the lightning damaged them and started fire which gutted the whole house ,” she said.
She said that efforts by people to extinguish the fire were futile.
Lightning cases continue to increase in the country since the beginning of this year.
Statistics from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) show that among 33 people killed by disasters since January to March, 27 were killed by lightning.
The construction of Rwf4 billion facility was funded by African Development Bank. Its master plan was developed by a French Architect Patrick Schweitzer.
The premises were officially inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Eugene Mutimura yesterday.
Mutimura said that the facility will help to promote education in science and technology studies.
“This is very crucial as our country envisions a knowledge-based economy; it is our country’s target to promote innovation in technology and indeed this facility is essential,” he said.
University of Rwanda’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Philip Cotton urged all users to sustain the beauty of the premises.
Speaking to IGIHE, Belyse Igihozo, Architecture student said that previously they had a small facility which would not enable them to learn comfortably.
“We had very small classrooms which would not enable us to feel comfortable. We are very happy as this facility will create a good learning environment for us,” she said.
Construction works started in 2015 and the premises were constructed using materials available locally including volcanic rocks locally known as ‘amakoro’. Over 350 got jobs during the construction activities.
The building has the capacity to accommodate 600 students.
The on-going exhibition is organized by PSF’s chamber of Agriculture. It is currently held in Rusizi district, where 40 local exhibitors are showcasing a number of products from the agricultural sector.
The Exhibition that started on the 14th march will last three days; and is aimed at identifying new markets for Rwanda agricultural products.
While opening the exhibition, Rusizi Mayor; Harelimana Frederic assured Rwanda exporters of new storage facilities to be constructed at the border as these will facilitate in storing local goods especially the perishable goods.
“Some exporters have always raised the issue of lack of storage facilities on this border. However, we are going to discuss this with other stakeholders to construct these warehouses,” He said
The agriculture exhibition follows another Agribusiness trade fair that was held in Goma, DRC in 2016 in partnership with the Farmers’ association in DRC. Exhibitors are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the cooperation between exporters of the countries.
Callixte Kanamugire the Chief Advocacy Officer, PSF mentioned that the Federation is currently surveying other potential markets in different countries where Rwandan products can be exported.
“We cannot close the trade deficit gap unless we promote exports. We organize these events to facilitate our traders that’s why we will continue identifying other external markets for Rwandan products,” he said while addressing exhibitors.
Christine Murebwayire; one of the exhibitors and chairperson of Agriculture chamber noted that DRC possesses an enormous market potential for Rwandan exports.
However, adding that it’s imperative for Rwandan exporters to produce quality goods.
“DRC has a huge market for our exports. Most of our exhibitors have sold-off all their products and they’re stocking more. We expect at the end to sign agreements with Congolese to formalize our trade,” she said
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda recently launched the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR) which allow small-scale traders to import products not exceeding the value of $2,000 duty-free.
The STR programme was initiated by COMESA to help increase trade among small-scale cross-border traders dealing in small quantities of goods. This programme aims to simplify clearing procedures as well as reduce the cost of trading by making it possible for the small-scale cross-border trader’s consignments to benefit from the removal of Customs Duty (COMESA Preferential Treatment)
Liquid Telecom is a leading communications services and solutions provider across 13 countries in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa that serves carrier, enterprise and retail customers with high-speed, reliable connectivity and digital services.
With some delegates from the group, they visited Jordan Foundation that is home to 25 visually impaired children. Founded in 2016 by Mrs. Vanessa Bahati in honour of her visually impaired two year-old child, Jordan Hakiza Guy.
Out of Bahati’s begetting a visually impaired son, reeled the passion for raising more.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman for Liquid Telecom Rwanda, Sam Nkusi, said that the idea of visiting the foundation came from an article they read about Bahati who decided to raise visually-impaired children.
He said that the strength and determination of Bahati inspired the group to support her.
“There are some families that have some problems; and there are others who really have some oppressing problems; like blind children […]; We found that we could lend a hand while congratulating you on such a humanitarian initiative. You will always have our support,” said Nkusi
He continued praising Bahati’s strength and courage; which he noted as extremely rare comparing to the situation she was in.
Liquid Telecom was accompanied by the chairman of Zigama CSS, Dr. James Ndahiro, who is a successful visually-impaired man. He expressed his hope and faith for a great future for Jordan Foundation’s children.
Bahati; founder of Jordan Foundation expressed her gratitude for the donation of Liquid Telecom; she added that it would impact on the children’ lives and their education as it will be used mainly for the construction of a school for visually-impaired children that will be located in Gasabo district.
Recently, Liquid Telecom dedicated itself to deliver a Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) roll out exercise around the country to delivering high-speed internet to Rwandans.
A total of $77,958 will go to construct new maternity ward and purchase one open care warmer, two medical cupboards and 17 beds. The grant is also expected to improve reproductive health for more than 58,000 people.
$81,109 of the grant will go to construct new school buildings of the JOC Vocational Training Center including five classrooms, one administrative block, one sanitary facility and one workshop. With the aim to improve the quality of the training, the grant is also expected to allow JOCA Rwanda to accept over 100 more students.
The signing of the grant took place yesterday in Kigali between the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Takayuki Miyashita and Executive Director of Association Rwandaise pour le Développement Rural (ARDR) Jean Munyurangabo and JOC Rwanda President Jean Bosco Harerimana.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Miyashita said that the new maternity ward will provide pregnant women with proper labor, delivery and maternity rooms.
He added that the project will reduce the number of pregnant women who have to give birth without having appropriate health facilities.
“Most pregnant women have to lie on the floor because of a lack of beds in the maternity ward of Nyacyonga Health Center. Moreover, the maternity ward does not have a water tank to clean the delivery room after child birth,” he said.
He said that the project is expected to lower the health risk for newborn babies and pregnant women and improve reproductive health for more than 58,000 people in Jabana and Nduba sectors, Gasabo District.
On school, Ambassador Miyashita said that the grant will provide a proper educational facility to students and enhance their school environment.
“This grant will allow JOC Rwanda to have enough work space for vocational trainings including welding, tailoring and hairdressing. The school can also accept over 100 more students who were put on a wait-list,” he said.
Nyacyonga Health Center Director, Clementine Mukagasana welcomed the grant saying that previously they had a room with five beds only and was a problem to manage them due to the number of pregnant women they receive.
ARDR’s Munyurangabo said that during the implementation of the project, they will partner with residents through community works, and the district will provide with them experts to supervise construction works.
Joc Rwanda’s Harerimana said that the grant will help them save the amount of money they used to spend in renting classrooms. The school was launched in 2014.
He said that they used to spend over Rwf1.4 million in rent, but they will allocate them to improving the quality of education by buying new equipment.
The two institutions share the spirit of “excellence” with GHA standing out in academic field as the sole school in Rwanda offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program while IGIHE boasts of standing out in media as the Rwanda’s leading online outlet.
The visit by 15 students and their two tutors was part of the school’s celebration of International Women Day (IWD) and the choice of IGIHE was inspired by the fact that it has a real team of journalists and is offering a special coverage of women during women’s month (March), according to teacher Lawoiri Riffi who, together with teacher Marie Guerin, led the visiting team.
“We wanted to visit a real team of journalists. So we chose the women’s day. In my point of view, teaching should be practical, motivating and funny. The objective of GHA is ‘Towards Excellence”, by this visit, we follow our goal to be excellent in everything,” said Riffi.
On the occasion, the students of a Kigali-based international school currently hosting 1650 students from 56 nationalities wrote accolades to women in recognition of their outstanding courage and determination in upbringing the humankind. Below are the accolades by three among the students:
{{Who is a Woman?}}
“Every man needs a woman when his life is a mess, because just like the game of chess- the queen protects the king.”
The greatest pleasure in a man’s life is to get somebody who is multitalented, loving, caring and has all the qualities needed in an angel, these are who we call women.
They are the stars and moon in our lives. They are the most beautiful creation invented by God who have landed up on earth like angels to make earth a heavenly place. Despite of all the kindness and care they have given us, women are abused all around the world without any terror which includes transgressions like- rapes, sexual assaults, acid attacks etc. to decrease the level of these felonies, the people have decided to appreciate women with love and gratitude by making it a special day known as the International Women’s Day (IWD).
IWD also known as international women’s working day is a day celebrated worldwide that mainly focuses on the attainment by the women in all fields like economic, political and social. It’s also a day for the UN attempting to resolve on the struggles women are suffering. The global women’s day is acknowledged on 8th March because women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists in 1975, during {{International Women’s}} Year. The United Nations began {{celebrating International Women’s Day}} on {{8th March}}. It’s commemorated in most of the European countries and Asian countries- for example Denmark, Switzerland, china, India, Austria, etc.
Women are very important to our society. They have contributed a lot in every other branch- whether it’s sport or science, they have made themselves recognised to the whole world with their tremendous accomplishments. Some women like mother Teresa, Malala, Helen and others have even left their mark on earth and in the history. These stars of our lives have showed that women are no less than men including every simple housewife, mom and sister out there. They have the toughest job in their daily lives which is unrewarded and they receive no leave. Except for these our moms, wives and sisters seldom whine. Being a woman is not a piece of cake, it requires a lot of patience, love and courage. So, let this women’s day be memorable for your loved ones making an abundance of love flow through their nerves and appealing your prayers to the women al around the world who are currently suffering with horrendous abuses. Love them because they are W-wonderful, o-outstanding-motherly, a-ambitious and n-nurturing.
{{The love of a mother}}
Mothers, aunts and sisters. These women we see every day are truly the gems in a man’s life. The love of a mother is irreplaceable. The counsel of your aunt straightens your mind. And your sister is always there to give you advice and even a shoulder to cry on.
Women are truly wonderful because of their beauty and approachable nature. A lady, the person who is willing to keep your secrets and sorrows. A woman who shares your hopes, dreams and passions. A lady is your special friend if you just listen to her.
Even though they rarely seem alone or out of home, women have taken a leap into the future. In the past we foolishly overlooked their abilities and we paid the price. Long ago a woman was seen as a source of dowry, money and children. Forced into marriages and other dishonourable deeds, their value was diminished.
But the new age is in their hands. Brave and inspiring women, such as Jeanette Kagame, our First Lady, who strives hard for the growth and education of the youth. And not to forget our Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, who works very hard to represent the image of Rwanda in the world. And other remarkable ladies such as Ophrah Winfrey and Michelle Obama who paved the way to greatness for the next generation of women. Women are allowed to vote and some are currently the leaders of countries, far and wide in the world. Their works are remarkable and may they lead us into a new era.
My mother is one such woman. Her bravery and sacrifice inspires me every day. Honour the women and respect them because they gave us life.
{{Women’s day }}
As we know that women’s day is approaching that’s why I wrote an essay about it. Women’s day is not a new topic in this generation to talk about. Women’s day is on 8th of March every year and it is celebrated to value and tell them the achievements they have done. It is a day to appreciate them with love and gratitude. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. On this day many events are held by women’s group. Men give flowers and gifts to their wives, girlfriends, daughters and mothers. International women’s Day is all about feeling women realize their worth and giving them a boost to achieve as per their actual potential.
It is a very special day for women because they work so hard to make the family perfect. I think the women do the hardest work in the world because they even have to care for the family, make food and they do not get holidays on Saturdays and Sundays; they always work. I think the most important woman in your life will be your mother.
Everyone says that “behind a successful man there is a woman.” Some ways which you can make a woman special: respect them all the time not just because they are women but also because they are individuals and they have their own identity, do not think that men are better than women because everyone is equal.
They are wonderful daughters, amazing sisters, superior wives, caring mothers, and loving grannies. They are born as leaders, and fighters. They are the light of children and men’s live. Make this day special for women so, they can experience the same love that they give us every moment. As we celebrate the centenary of International Women’s Day this year, we are to take more advantage of the potentials and talents of half of the humanity, and not just seek to consecrate gender equality in principle. Indeed, women could greatly contribute to the upbringing and education. Let us show respect to all women in the world and wish them a HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY.
In a statement signed by the Sector Executive Secretary, Charles Havugimana released yesterday, the decision was taken following the findings from the monitoring exercise.
The monitoring was conducted on Churches and Mosques on February 19th 2018 and revealed that Mosques which use speakers installed above their buildings cause noise pollution.
“I write to you asking you to stop using these speakers and find other means to call followers for prayer,” reads the statement.
The decision was taken following the ongoing exercise by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and local government authorities to clampdown substandard churches from across the country.
