In May 2023, floods and landslides hit Rwanda’s northern and western provinces, resulting in a tragic loss of lives and property. As the government rushed to save the lives of those trapped and resettle hundreds, local government officials reached out to anyone who could offer support.
In Musasa Sector, Rutsiro District, Western Province, officials had managed to secure a building to house several families with the help of a local cooperative. Numerous families were accommodated in the facility and provided with mattresses, blankets, and food since they had lost everything. While they were glad to have a semblance of their life restored, one challenge remained: there was no electricity in the building because the area is off-grid.
At BBOXX’s head office in Kigali, management was already assessing the number of customers who might have been affected by the floods to determine what assistance could be provided. The company’s local team in Rutsiro reported that while accommodation and other basics were being provided by the local government, residents were living in the dark due to a lack of electricity. BBOXX saw this as an opportunity to assist. Solar panels, lights, batteries, and torches were quickly installed, and that night electricity was provided.
“As a responsible and compassionate organization, we believe in standing by our communities when they need us the most. When torrential rains struck, we quickly mobilized our resources and personnel to provide immediate relief to the affected areas. Our primary focus was to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and work closely with local authorities, relief organizations, and community leaders to coordinate our efforts effectively,”
BBOXX Managing Director John Uwizeye.
“We are truly grateful to BBOXX for standing with us. Such acts restore hope in our residents whose homes have been destroyed,”
Ndayikeshe, the site manager and Head of Social affairs in Musasa sector.
This intervention precedes a newly signed partnership between BBOXX and Bralirwa to provide solar electricity to 59 additional homes in Ngororero District, also in Western Rwanda. The 59 homes were selected in partnership with the district authorities, and installations are expected to be completed by the end of this month (June 2023).
“We believe in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing our social impact in the communities we serve,”
Etienne Saada, Bralirwa’s Managing Director
We are excited to announce our partnership with @BBOXX_Rwanda to provide renewable energy to 59 off-grid homes in the Ngororero district!
This collaboration will not only improve the local community’s quality of life, but it will also reduce CO2 emissions. Bralirwa is committed… pic.twitter.com/9o1RayZEm1— Bralirwa Plc. (@bralirwaplc) May 31, 2023
