Residents of Kabarore Sector in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province, are calling for the acceleration of electricity connections after waiting for more than seven months to receive electricity meters, commonly known as Cashpower.
The residents say electricity distribution work has already begun in their area, with power poles erected, cables installed and preliminary electrical installations completed. However, many households remain without electricity because they have not received meters.
Residents of Simbwa Cell in Kabarore Sector say some households have already been connected, while more than 250 others are still waiting for electricity because they have yet to receive the required meters.
They say it is frustrating to see electricity poles and cables installed at their homes while remaining unable to use electricity, even as their neighbours enjoy the service.
According to the residents, they were assured that the meters would be provided, but months have passed without delivery. They say they have not been given a clear timeline for when the connections will be completed, adding that the lack of electricity affects their daily lives.
Mugabo Jackson, the head of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) branch in Gatsibo District, told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that the problem would be addressed through an ongoing nationwide electricity distribution project.
“We have a nationwide electricity distribution project underway in Gatsibo, including Kabarore Sector. The work is at an advanced stage, and the poles have already been erected. The remaining task is to connect the electricity. I would not say the meters are unavailable; rather, the process takes time. We ask residents to be patient, as they should have electricity within the coming days,” he said.
The project, known as the EPC Contract, aims to expand electricity access and provide meters to households in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts. It is expected to connect a total of 39,000 households, including 22,000 in Gatsibo District.
Implementation has reached 80 per cent, with completion scheduled for 2027. The project is estimated to cost more than $18 million.
Across Rwanda, 15 cells are still reported to be without electricity, including some where infrastructure such as power poles has already been installed but households have remained without power for years.
Figures from the Ministry of Infrastructure show that 88.3 per cent of Rwandans have access to electricity. Of these, 63.3 per cent are connected to the national grid, while 25 per cent rely on solar energy.
The government continues to invest in expanding electricity generation and distribution, with the aim of ensuring universal electricity access by 2030, including through increased use of solar power.
