Muhanga: Residents Complain About Frequent Power Outages

Power outages may be considered a common issue due to various technical reasons, but many residents of Muhanga City are frustrated by the frequent and abrupt interruptions, which disrupt their daily lives.

In recent days, it has become rare for a day to pass without a power outage in Muhanga.

For example, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, electricity went out at 9:00 AM and was only restored at around 9:00 PM, a 12-hour blackout that left many inconvenienced.

Impact on businesses and institutions

Frequent outages are particularly challenging for businesses and institutions reliant on electricity.

Sr. Donatha Uwitonze, the resource manager of LUCERNA Kabgayi Hotel, highlighted the severe impact of these interruptions on their operations.

“When the power goes out, we face significant challenges because electricity is essential for hotel operations, including lighting, refrigeration, sound systems, and other machinery,” she said.

She also noted that frequent outages often damage equipment. “We have many appliances that require electricity, and persistent outages cause some of them to break down in a short time,” Sr. Uwitonze explained.

Additionally, the fluctuating power supply affects electrical networks and wiring, leading to further complications. “Frequent outages damage electrical connections and disrupt operations like public address systems during meetings, leaving participants frustrated,” she added.

Institutions like LUCERNA Hotel incur significant costs running backup generators during extended outages.

For instance, during the November 30 blackout, the hotel used 100 liters of diesel, costing Rwf 167,500.

Similarly, the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) consumes around 20 liters of diesel per hour to power its operations during outages.

On that Saturday alone, ICK used approximately 240 liters, amounting to Rwf 397,680, given the current price of diesel at Rwf 1,657 per liter.

Small and medium businesses are equally affected.

José Mbabazi

José Mbabazi, who runs a milk processing machine in Muhanga, lamented the losses caused by power outages.

“If milk sits in the machine for three hours without power, it spoils immediately, leading to significant losses,” she said.

Those without backup generators face even worse challenges.

Mushimiyimana Cedric

Mushimiyimana Cedric, a barber in Gahogo Cell, explained that their work becomes nearly impossible during power cuts.

“Even with a generator, the cost of fuel outweighs earnings. For instance, Rwf 1,000 worth of electricity lasts a whole day in a barbershop, but the same work requires about Rwf 5,000 worth of fuel,” he said.

Many residents are urging the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) branch in Muhanga to reduce the frequency of outages, as they severely disrupt services.

They also request timely communication about planned outages to help them prepare in advance.

Some suggested that REG conduct maintenance work outside of business hours whenever possible.

REG’s response

Rosine Mukaseti, the REG branch manager in Muhanga District, refuted claims of constant outages, attributing the disruptions to natural events and technical challenges, such as rain or falling trees damaging power lines.

She acknowledged that prolonged outages are more common during the rainy season due to increased risks of accidents and damage.

Regarding the November 30 blackout, Mukaseti explained that maintenance work on a power substation near the Bank of Kigali in Muhanga coincided with heavy rain, delaying the restoration of electricity.

On improving communication, Mukaseti mentioned that REG primarily uses social media to notify residents about power interruptions but plans to introduce additional channels, including local radio announcements.

Despite these challenges, the Muhanga District administration reported significant progress in electrification over the past seven years. Access to electricity has increased from 58% to 80.7% of the population, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand the grid.

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