Residents of Karago Sector in Nyabihu District are raising serious concerns over fallen electricity lines lying across a busy footpath used daily by adults and children, including students on their way to school. They say the live wires have been on the ground for days, posing a severe risk of electrocution or fatal accidents.
The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) has acknowledged the problem and says emergency measures are underway to address it.
“These wires are a death trap waiting to happen” Residents
For more than a week, residents in Karago Cell say they have been living in fear, unsure whether it is still safe to use the path they have relied on for years.
Marie Claire Kayitesi, from Karuganda Village, says the presence of the fallen wires has disrupted their daily routine and caused constant worry. “These wires are lying right across the path. Children play near them, and people pass with their produce going to the market. It’s extremely frightening. We don’t even know whether they are live or if they could suddenly become energized. We have asked the authorities to intervene before tragedy happens.”
Another resident, Jean Baptiste Nsengiyumva from Rwankeri Village, says families have resorted to avoiding the path entirely for fear of electrocution. “Children going to Karago Primary School pass here every day. Sometimes they run because they are late, and they could easily step on these wires. Even if we are not sure they carry electricity right now, they can become dangerous at any moment. Should we really wait for an accident before action is taken?”
Motorcyclists and farmers also in danger
The Karago wetlands footpath is widely used by motorcycle taxi operators, farmers transporting produce, traders and students. Motorcyclists say the wires are especially dangerous at night or during heavy rain.
Pascal Nkurunziza, a motorcycle taxi operator, explained: “When you’re riding at night or in heavy rain, visibility is very poor. You might not see the wire until you run directly into it. That can cause serious injury or even death. We need urgent action.”
Alphonsine Mukantwari, a resident of Rwantobo Cell, says the wires have also disrupted agricultural activities. “When we carry potatoes or vegetables to the market, we are afraid that our tools or wheelbarrows might get caught in the wires. It makes even simple tasks stressful. This needs to be resolved quickly.”
“We are aware of the situation and working on it” REG
Martin Mutsindashyaka, REG’s Nyabihu Branch Manager, confirmed to Radio Salus that the issue had been reported and that technicians were already gathering information on the cause. “We are aware of the problem the residents have raised and we are working on it. Our team has been sent to assess what caused the lines to fall. Whenever such an incident occurs, we must ensure no other wires are at risk so we can implement long-term measures. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the issue is resolved as soon as possible.”
He added that strong winds and heavy rainfall in the area might have contributed to the problem.“During the rainy season, some poles weaken or break, causing wires to fall. Even though it is not common, we must act quickly every time such cases are reported.”
Local authorities also following up
The Executive Secretary of Karago Sector, Thérence Mukamana, says the sector received the residents’ complaints and immediately forwarded the issue to REG for urgent action. “We have informed REG and asked them to prioritize this matter. We also urge residents to avoid using the affected path until the wires are safely removed.”
Residents call for long-term solutions
While residents appreciate REG’s response, they insist the issue reveals a wider problem: aging electrical infrastructure in several parts of the district.
Vestine Mukantabana, a resident, says this is not an isolated case: “This is not the first time we’re facing this problem. Last month, the same issue occurred in our village. REG should implement a regular inspection program, especially in wetlands and hilly areas. We should not wait for loss of life before preventive measures are taken.”
What residents want from REG and local authorities
Residents have outlined three urgent demands:
Immediate removal of fallen electrical wires
Regular inspections of old or weakened power lines
Community awareness campaigns on how to stay safe when wires fall
According to Nkurunziza Pascal: “REG needs to fix this immediately. No resident wants to hear tragic news simply because this issue was ignored.”
Awaiting a concrete solution
As REG continues to assess the situation, residents say they want swift intervention to restore safety on the path that thousands rely on daily. Local authorities insist that a solution is being prepared, but residents emphasize that their safety and lives must be protected in the long term, not only when emergencies arise.
