In a bid to alleviate isolation, 65 low-income families of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Muhanga District have been provided with solar power systems by ASHARAMI Energy Rwanda.
These families were previously settled in areas without access to the national power grid.
Survivors in the Shyogwe Sector, who had solar power systems installed in their homes, expressed that they often felt neglected when they saw others with electricity while they lived in darkness.
Pascal Munyaneza shared his experience of receiving a house equipped for electricity but never connected to the power grid, leaving them in isolation. They could not listen to the radio or charge their phones.
“We lived in isolation, but we are fortunate to receive radios, flashlights, and solar panels. We had no power lines to get electricity. We thank the government and the partners who brought us solar power,” he said.
Epiphanie Mukangango, from Rubugurizo Village in Mbare Cell, Shyogwe Sector, described the sadness of watching others with electricity while she lived in darkness.
“I saw no solution except to wait. I used my phone’s flashlight and had no radio. But everything changed and I received a radio,” she said.
She emphasized that the government’s collaboration with private entities to support Genocide survivors helps them feel remembered and pulls them out of the despair caused by their dark, powerless homes.
“We thought no one cared because we had no electricity, but now we have regained hope to continue living,” she added.
Eric Bizimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Muhanga District, explained that the houses built for 1994 Genocide survivors initially lacked electricity due to limited resources.
Recognizing this issue, they sought partners to provide solar power, enabling survivors to progress and not lag behind the country’s development goals. “We built houses according to our resources. Survivors receiving solar electricity can now develop themselves and break free from isolation since the areas we built in lacked power lines,” he said.
Didace Nshimiyimana, the Country Manager of ASHARAMI Energy Rwanda, noted that they operate in over 40 countries, bringing services closer to the people.
Their initiative to provide solar power to underprivileged Genocide survivors aligns with their mission. “We aim to ensure that Genocide survivors do not remain in sorrow and darkness, and that children can study. This is part of the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and our effort to help survivors improve their lives,” he stated.
Benoit Ingabire, President of the umbrella organization of survivors ‘IBUKA’, in Muhanga District, expressed gratitude to ASHARAMI, a company dealing in petroleum products, for their support.
He emphasized that there is hope for continued assistance, as many survivors still need help.
