The project was aimed at providing access to energy at a household level, community and business level. Households were supported to procure solar home systems for lighting and small appliances while some of the businesses were connected to the national grid trough a business center that was built in each camp by the project. Street lights were also installed for safety, security and easy access to community facilities.
The project has for the past four years connected refugees household in Kigeme and Nyabiheke camp with solar energy at 50% while 62% accessed improved cooking stoves.
The refugees were connected with renewable energy by Practical Action Rwanda in partnership with UNCHR and the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) funded by IKEA Foundation.
According to the organization, these camps were also installed with street lights enabling refugees and neighbours to continue activities uninterrupted during night hours.
Throughout the four years, 703 businesses were created while 150 received support to expand activities.
“Before our houses were connected with electricity, we used to close activities by 6p.m. but the situation has changed that we work without hindrances until 8.p.m,” said one of beneficiaries.
The project was designed at a time when intense deforestation was reported in the area.
Connecting the camp with electricity is also believed to have addressed different issues and facilitated movements particularly for women heading to health facilities to deliver babies during night hours among other challenges that hindered refugees’ progress.
The Country Manager of Practical Action Rwanda, Denyse Umubyeyi says that electricity plays a significant role to improve citizens’ wellbeing particularly refugees in need of running small businesses to earn a living.
“Refugees attest that children’s performance during national exams has improved. It is obvious because children do not only study while in class but also take advantage of electrified households to revise studies at home,” she said.
After power supply in the area, residents were linked to financial institutions to acquire loans to run small businesses while others received support to purchase energy appliance like flour mills and other machines to grow their businesses.
Overall, the project implemented between 2017 and 2022 was completed at a tune of Euros 8.6 million (more than Rwf9 billion).
The project directly impacted 60,000 people including refugees and surrounding communities.
Gonzague Karagire, Refugee Program Manager, at MINEMA has said that providing refugees with household items including braziers and gas adds up to environmental conservation.
“Refugees used to rely on firewood which had negative impact to the environment. We have started using clean cooking fuels. That is why we have three refugee camps using gas while two others use pellets with tier 3 stoves,” he noted.
Karagire explained that having access to electricity will not only give a boost to beneficiaries’ businesses but also will enhance security during night hours.
MINEMA shows that partners interventions complement efforts to uplift citizens’ wellbeing.
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