Rwanda's rural areas in the southern, northern and eastern parts of the country are planned to have access to electricity as new solar energy kit systems are set to be installed.
Last week the Chinese government donated 416 pieces of solar equipment to the East African nation to ensure residents in those rural areas have access to power, according to Chinese state media reports.
It has been reported that rural parts of the country’s southern, northern and eastern provinces have no access to the state power grid.
According to the Rwandan government's website, only 16% of the country's population had access to the national electric grid in 2012.
Rwanda's ministry of infrastructure is reported to have said that the solar power energy power project could help in rural electricity accessibility."The kits will boost rural energy accessibility and ultimately improve the well-being of the rural population," said Eng Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, Rwanda's state minister in charge of energy and water.
The project, which is estimated to be worth more than $640,000, is expected to benefit at least 400 households selected under a five-year ‘national electrification plan’.Shen Yongxiang, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, said the request by the Rwandan government -- under the framework of "Eight New Measures to Strengthen China-Africa Cooperation" -- has encouraged China to support Rwanda with a batch of solar equipment, including solar modules, cabinets, batteries, switchboards, compact fluorescent lamps and light wires.A survey conducted by the ministry of infrastructure found the country needs to invest about $3 billion in order to increase access to electricity to 70% by 2018.
