Rural Electrification Project and Job Creation in Rwanda: A Case Study of Rugezi Hydro Power Plant in Butaro Sector

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of rural electrification projects on job creation in Rwanda and specifically the research identified the types of jobs created and the new enterprises or businesses established as a result of the implementation of Rugezi Hydro-power plant in Butaro Sector from June 2011 to June 2013.The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods,the primary data was collected from site by using Questionnaire where the total number of targeted population was 449 and the sample was 135 respondents equivalent to 30% of the total population. The study helped to know the contribution of electricity in rural areas on job creation especially the changes that happened after the implementation of Rugezi Hydro power plant in Butaro Sector. The research findings provided a better understanding to the Government of Rwanda, Electricity providers, entrepreneurs and other electricity stakeholders to know the linkages and impacts of electricity services on job creation in rural areas. The findings of this research contributed to a better understanding of the present situation of Job creation in rural areas due to access to electricity. Also the findings are expected to facilitate the discussion about the linkages between electricity services in rural areas and job creation and how electricity services can be more available in rural areas. This study provided evidence in support of claims that new access to electricity can increase job opportunities on the job market. The findings indicated that access to electricity services leads to changes such as establishment of new businesses, growth and expansion of existing businesses hence affects positively job creation. Also, the findings indicated that there is a link between electricity, business establishment and job creation. Again the number of hours and the time employees and business person in particular spend on their works. Electricity facilitates to improve the productivity of businesses in the area with electricity supply. It is recommended that the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Infrastructure to fasten the effort of increasing electricity supply capacity and extend the rural electrification areas that are not yet connected to electricity supply, also, it is recommended to the Government of Rwanda to connect the mini-hydro power plant that are now operational to the National Grid so that when one power plant get disconnected from the National Grid the affected areas can benefit electricity from the rest of the power plants in operation. It is recommended to Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) to conduct trainings and workshops on the safety and precaution to avoid dangers during the installation and utilization of electrical machines and apparatus used in the business workshops.