The lead fuel marketers in Rwanda have donated 5,000 liters to be distributed to thousands of motorists across the country.
The Vivo Energy Rwanda Managing Director, Sarah Doukouré, said the idea was hatched after realizing that motorists were among the worst affected by COVID-19 prevention measures, part of which included suspending taxi-motor activities.
She explained that the donation is part of a contribution to recovery efforts, giving relief to people whose health and livelihoods are continuously affected by the novel coronavirus.
“Although all of us were affected in one way or another, there is a special group among us who were severely impacted by the lockdown- the taxi-moto operators. Their only source of income was put on hold yet they have families to feed,” she said.
“As we adjust to the normal situation, they need a bit of hoist to be able to get back on the road. In this regard, Vivo Energy Rwanda pledges 5,000 litres of fuel to be donated to commercial motorcyclists across the country,” added Doukoure.
Doukouré says the fuel will be provided to the most impacted motorcyclists, with the help of the Rwanda Motorcycle Cooperative, Ferwacotamo.
One of Engen customers and a motorist, Ndatimana Aimable, praised the initiative, saying it will go a long way in giving a big push to motorists that had difficulties getting fuel as they resume work after a long lull.
Ndatimana shares this sentiment with his colleague Harerimana
“Staying at home had a very big toll on our incomes and life has been full of daily survival struggles. The Engen kind gesture has come in handy,” appreciated.
"We're going to start work but we were just starting with nothing. All our small savings had got exhausted. Thank you Engen for helping us," Ferwacotamo member, Mayor Ngarambe said.
In addition to the fuel, Engen Rwanda has also provided masks to the motorists as a way of further ushering them back into business.
For those wishing to donate to this campaign, they can do so via Twitter using #FuelMyMoto where they can agree to donate fuel or money and even pay for it using MTN Mobile Money by typing * 182 * 8 * 1 * 222222 * money #.
Elina Jonas Ruzindaza
source https://en.igihe.com/news/article/covid-19-resilience-vivo-energy-supports-taxi-motorcyclists-with-5-000-liters
