Electricity is vital for development. Since its inception, Luvungi village has never had access to electricity, hindering its progress.
In the Ruzizi Valley and the Uvira Territory, many premature babies have died due to this lack of electricity. Although we have incubators at the Luvungi MHCD Hospital, they cannot function without power. Many cases that could be managed at the hospital are transferred elsewhere, and those who cannot afford to go to Bujumbura or Bukavu are left at home, waiting for their final days. Additionally, we have a mortuary freezer—the only one in Ruzizi Valley and Bafuliru Mountains—serving over 100,000 people, but it requires electricity to operate.
To address these challenges, Dr Luc Mulimbalimba and the MHCD (Mission in Health Care and Development) initiated the installation of a 100-kilowatt solar farm. We transported two containers filled with solar panels, batteries, and other equipment from Australia to bring power to Luvungi village, especially at the MHCD headquarters.
I am pleased to announce that the project was completed in May 2025, and we now have electricity at MHCD headquarters in Luvungi. The solar farm supplies power to the Luvungi MHCD Hospital, primary and secondary schools, midwifery and nursing school, Impact Radio, a computer training centre, tailoring centre, church, Pamela Community Centre, Uvira Community University, accommodation, guest houses, and surrounding homes as part of a microfinancing project. The community was overjoyed to see electricity in their village for the first time. On that first day, they celebrated with joy, dancing and singing all night, thanking God for Dr Luc Mulimbalimba.
The arrival of electricity has significantly boosted economic activities in Luvungi village. It has also enhanced medical services at the MHCD Hospital, where all equipment now functions around the clock, including the morgue. Previously, families had to buy fuel to preserve the bodies of their loved ones, incurring high costs. With electricity from the solar farm, these expenses have been eliminated, greatly contributing to the socio-economic and health development of the area.
Premature babies can now be kept in incubators, helping to save lives. Our doctors can perform surgical operations at night without issues, thanks to reliable electricity. Radio Impact, which previously broadcast only six hours a day, can now provide continuous programming, informing the community on topics such as health, education, gender equality, and microfinancing.
Electricity is also available 24 hours a day in the MHCD guest houses, facilitating work for visitors who can charge their devices easily. The introduction of electricity has greatly contributed to the socio-economic, health, cultural, and educational development of Luvungi village.
Electricity promotes education, allowing students to do homework at night. Many children assist their parents during the day and can now study in the evening, much to the delight of their families. Furthermore, the installation of solar streetlights has improved nighttime security, enabling more patients to access the hospital for treatment without fear.
I would like to thank all MHCD friends and supporters who contributed to this significant project. Special thanks to Mark Yates, Director of YES Group Renmark, and Mark Robbie, Director of Energy SA Adelaide, for providing the solar panels used in this installation.
I would also like to express gratitude to Dr Luc Mulimbalimba and his family for their generous support, covering 60% of the costs for solar batteries and other essential materials.
Finally, thank you to MHCDASA Committee Members Jenny Weaver, Julie Monis Ivett, and all the volunteers who helped pack the solar panels and contributed to the transport of the containers.
By supporting this project, you have saved countless lives through the Luvungi MHCD Hospital and fostered community development and economic activities in the village. This project has helped reduce poverty by empowering individuals to start small businesses, promoting education, and providing quality and affordable healthcare services.
