“We have a big problem. We contributed money for electricity connection but we have not been connected for eight years now. Some households contributed Rwf30,000, others Rwf15,000. Leaders have been rotating here promising to end the problem but nothing has been done. We are in dilemma,” says Mr. Félicien Hitimana who contributed Rwf15,000.
He adds that residents were mobilised by local leaders who collected money and deposited it on REG’s bank account.
Mr. Célestin Rusanganwa who also contributed Rwf15,000 angrily told IGIHE on Wednesday, “My wish is that they either give us electricity or bring back our money but they will have to add interest.”
The Executive Secretary of Tare Sector, David Mporayonzi confirmed that by the request of EWSA, local leaders mobilised Kaganza residents who collected over Rwf1 million which was deposited on the bank account of EWSA eight years ago.
EWSA which previously combined energy and water utilities was later merged into REG and WASAC as two institutions.
“I have on several occasions talked to REG branch in our district about this problem but they have not addressed it yet. I think it was a serious mistake by EWSA. The blame is on their staff that kept rotating in positions without considering this problem,” said Mporayonzi.
{{Solution in the offing}}
REG Branch Manager in Nyamagabe District, Mr. Innocent Karinganire said there was time EWSA encouraged citizens to contribute for electricity connection but there was a mistake by Kaganza residents who deposited money on EWSA accounts when there was no imminent plan to connect their area but all is now set to start the construction of Kaganza power distribution line early next month.
“We learned of that problem and never kept quiet on citizens’ complaints. They are 58 households that paid Rwf1,137,000 on EWSA account. We reported this to REG head office, they did Kaganza field study some time back and found a distance of 3.5 kilometres requiring a budget of over Rwf50 million for a line. It was somehow expensive,” he said.
“But as we talk now, I have been informed by REG planning team that the construction of Kaganza line will start on 7th May. We are working on those residents’ problem and it is obviously in their rights to have electricity as it is the government’s target to provide energy access to all citizens. I will visit and update them on the progress next Monday.”
Rwanda targets to increase the current slightly over 40% energy access to 100% by 2024.
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