To improve power supply reliability and stability across Rwanda, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved $84.22 million in loans and grants to electrify nearly 80,000 rural households in south Rwanda. The aim of the project is to advance the country’s goal of universal electrification and benefit small businesses and youth.

The funds which was approved on 26 May comprise a loan of $36.77 million from the Bank Group’s African Development Fund and a $47.45 million ADF grant.

Also, the project which is part of the Rwanda Universal Energy Access Program (RUEAP), draws from two of the Bank’s High-5 strategic priorities: Light Up and Power Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. It aims to achieve universal access to electricity by 2024 and Vision 2050, the country’s long-term development framework.

The Transmission System Reinforcement and Last Mile Connectivity project will provide first-time electricity connection to 77,470 households to the grid, entailing the construction of 595 km of medium voltage distribution lines and 1,620 km of low voltage distribution networks in six southern Rwanda districts. The project will also see the upgrade, rehabilitation and extension of 1,720 km of low voltage network, and distribution of transformers in secondary cities with high load.

Furthermore, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling access to clean energy and bolster education by extending students access to light for study. Also, it will benefit small and medium enterprises while enhancing job creation for youth.

Credit: http://www.afdb.org/