Potential for great source of Power or Cataclysmic disaster for the ages

Imagine wandering into a village and finding no living thing present for miles around. Animals all dead lying on the ground, from the grazing cattle to the buzzing fly with no living person in the vicinity. The source of death leaving no trace, or sign of bloodshed, nor any indication of a natural disaster.  Just a mound of lifeless bodies lying around, leaving you horrified and wondering what the hell happened. Such a terrible scene would qualify for horror movie material but this is exactly what happened in the villages around Lake Nyos in Cameroon where more than 1700 people instantly died from asphyxiation ( suffocation due to lack of oxygen ) from the huge quantities of carbon dioxide that had been emitted from the lakes.

 Such terrible natural disasters are so rare that only 2 have ever been recorded, once in 1984 from lake Monoun and another in 1986 in lake Nyos but now an even greater danger lies dormant. Lake Kivu much bigger, and situated in a more densely populated region could potentially be the source of a devastating calamity.

Lake Kivu is among 3 of the rare water bodies in the world that are known as limnic lakes . Lakes such as these have the property of erupting massive amounts of Co₂ a phenomenon known as a lake over turn. An event that could be triggered by various catalysts such as an eruption, or earth quake if the saturation of the Co₂ contained within the lake reaches critical levels of 100%. To Illustrate this in Layman terms, prior to a lake being saturated, it behaves like an unopened carbonated beverage (soft drink): the CO₂ is dissolved in the water similarly to how it is dissolved in the lake. In both the lake and the soft drink, CO₂ dissolves much more at a high pressure. When the drink is open, the pressure is released thus making the CO₂ come out of solution. If the lake reaches full saturation the pressure exerted by the gases will be more than the pressure caused by the lake thus making it highly unstable and a trigger is all that is required to set off an eruption sending vast amounts of Co2 to go bubbling out of the lake.

Fortunately the chances of such an event transpiring are not high. “The risks are a little bit above 50 percent given the saturation levels of the gas in the Lake.” Says Umutoni  Augusta, Engineer in charge of environmental concern in the Lake Kivu project. “The pressure exerted by the gas contained in the lake needs to be more than the hydrostatic pressure of the water.” She went on to say. This is something that is not likely to occur due to the recent methane gas extraction that is being undertaken right now.” CH₄ (methane ) has a big partial pressure , if you extract methane gas out you significantly reduce the overall pressure exerted by both gases “. The extraction of methane gas not only acts as source of vast amounts of energy but it also increases the stability of the lake.

“The lake produces more gas and recharges itself at a rate of 150 million cubic metres  per year , this would take about 100 years for it to reach critical saturation levels  of 100 % , presently we are still on 57 % level of saturation. “ She says, making the great danger seem not so imminent.

It should be noted however that Lake Kivu is situated in a region of high seismic, and volcanic activity, it is even close to the active volcano , Nyiragongo , which erupted in 2002. The eruption caused lava to cover a big portion of Goma even streaming down lake Kivu. At the time, this incident caused a lot of fear, that the lava might cause gas saturated waters to rise to the surface, however this did not happen. “After the explosion the European union sent an expedition of experts to investigate on this and it was discovered that the lava had sunk to a depth of around 100 meters beneath the lake , where as the main gradient of the gas is at level of 260 meters. This indicates that a seismic wave that would only be able to make lava reach at that point and trigger a lake overturn would have to be one of monumental magnitude.” Observed Augusta, something that is unlikely to occur.

Nonetheless this improbability should not be taken for granted, because there is another area of Lake Kivu , known as Kibuno Bay that has been discovered to contain 100% saturation levels of carbon dioxide. The discovery of this has prompted the establishment of a de-gasing plant in order to reduce the risks. However installation and implementation of this project is far from being underway.

Lake Kivu seems to be as fascinating as much as it is potentially hazardous, nevertheless It would be safe to assume that the dangers lying around lake Kivu despite their great disastrous potential have a low probability of occurrence. The methane gas project for now is an excellent way to reduce this danger in the long term by not only providing a great socio economic benefit but by also maintaining and perhaps increasing the stability of this great lake

YouTube Worldview Interview with President Paul Kagame, Rwanda

Youtube World view, featuring President Paul Kagame gave the opportunity to diverse people from all over the word to present and submit their questions , ranging from the economy , the youth , Genocide and regional integration. It was a worldwide occasion for giving an insight in  activities or issues regarding Rwanda through the voice and leader of the nation.

During this interview with president Kagame, he was not only presented with questions but was asked for advice to matters such as the bridging of the  division along ethnic lines in other countries and the advice he would give to other world leaders that are still facing such an issue in their nations. He stressed that a nation governed on the basis of ethnicity is an indicator of bad leadership and  politics. He went on to say that recognition of a diversity within a people and harnessing it for the common good was the way to go. Transcending the bounds of uniformity would derive many more benefits through people’s contribution as they bring different things to the table.

His Excellency was also given the chance to ask a question to the youth of Rwanda, in which he asked  the young people on how they were approaching the future challenges that lay ahead of them through their growth and lessons they were learning .

Political inquiries were later on addressed such as the elections in 2017 in which the President publically affirmed that he would have no problem in respecting the constitution by standing up to his word and commitment by underlying the principle that the role of serving the country went beyond being the president and that he didn’t have to be so, in order to carry out his duty.

He also illustrated the fact that Ingabire Victoire’s trial was evidently, with presentation of all the facts a judicial matter as opposed to being politically motivated.

On Inquiry on matters regarding the youth in Rwanda. He stressed the fact that he wanted the youth to be the drive towards a positive change, and that they had to be a new mentality and attitude that would enable them to embrace this role. They had to recognize that they were the leaders of tomorrow thus having to prepare now.

The president who is well known for his interest in technology was also asked about a question revolving around the matter more specifically to the advantages he felt that developing countries had in response to new technology and the potential it had in improving the lives of Rwandans in general. He went on to say that we as developing nation had the advantages of leapfrogging in the process as opposed to having to go through the beginning steps. Everything was already at our disposal , thus giving us a big advantage but he also pointed out the fact the advantage would only be to those who seize these opportunities and utilize them.

On questions regarding challenges that poverty offers, The president pointed out the evident  progress that the country has made when it came to this issue but also made a point to not be complacent by continuing to move forward and making the right investments such as in agriculture to rural less  and also in education. He also pointed out that a lot was being done to empower the population to be self reliant in seeking jobs and also creating them.

The President answered more questions and his answers can be checked out on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKQuMZQ2Olc) during this exclusive interview.  It was an insightful and instructive opportunity to get a firsthand look at issues regarding Rwanda through the opinion and eyes of the president, his Excellency Paul Kagame.

Terrible traffic accident kills 16 and leaves 3 wounded

Recreational and medical , a distinction that could put you behind bars or save your life

June last year layed ground for the drafting of the law in parliament seeking to establish the rules and regulations in the use of narcotics in our healthcare system. This move provoked a lot of controversy due to the implications behind using marijuana for medical purposes, a substance that is illegal in the majority of countries. The use of it in the medical sense proposed the possibility of it having inadvertent consequences in the regulation and contol of this drug, perhaps promoting the use of recreational marijuana.

This move undoubtedly raised a couple of eyebrows with claims of Rwanda being the only nation in Africa to do so, but it should be understood that drafting of this law is nothing out of the ordinary. This would be because of the very well known and wide spread use of narcotics in the medical world. Morphin and Opium,both Illegal substances are drugs whose properties are used time and time again to relieve pain , or produce unconsciousness. Drugs such as these have as a result made a substantial contribution to the pharmaceutical industry. Marijuana despite its negative reputation has been proven to have medical properties that are used in the treatment of many diseases and conditions such as cancer or AIDS.

“Marijuana is classified as a psyhoctropic drug and the healthcare system in Rwanda which is under the convention with the International Narcotics control Board in vienna, simply drafted a law in the parliament that would help in the regulation and control in the use of this drug.” Says Alex Ruzindana , Pharmaceutical information PTF Ministry of health. “It has completely nothing to do with the legalisation of marijuana.It is strictly for medicinal and research purposes infact it is not even administered as a herbal drug , but rather its components are used and integrated into other substances making its administration come in other forms.”

The law is in convention with the INCB ,and its infringment will go beyond the realm of the medicine thus leaving the issue to be dealt with by the authorities. Medical Marijuana will only be presrcibed by a specialised physician and its use will be significantly limited .”Other countries across the world have taken a further step by establishing pharmacies who specialise only in the sale of medical marijuana that come in various forms . But we have not implemented that at all, the use of this drug is only exclusive to the prescription given out by the doctor according to the patients needs.” Says Alex

Due to the strictness in the prescription of this medicine , misconceptions when it comes to the consumation of this drug should not arise. Marijuana remains highly illegal outside the medical world and its distribution in iimited dosages will continue to remain exclusive only to that domain.

READY, SET, WIBRO

Forget your wireless network at home,office or wi-fi hot spots around the city , Kigali has on itself become a wireless hot spot , thanks to the newly built infrastructure of fiber optics and base stations installed around the capital supplying the city with the latest wireless broadband technology known as Wibro, developed by a South Korean telecoms industry. In an age where technology is increasing at a staggering pace, Rwanda has taken a head start in this race with an astonishing 4G technology that provides high speed connectivity superior to even that of the conventional 3G.

This Wibro project which was complete for about a year now, has an approximate coverage of 80% of the city making it accessible to almost everyone. ”It is now awaiting the final processes of commercialization before it can reach the market “said the Division Manager Mark Karomba at the Wibro center in Telecom House, a process that is estimated to be complete before the third quarter of the year.
On inquiry about its advantages he went on to say that “ This wireless broadband will provide users with a faster connection enabling them to enjoy the internet experience at a much higher level, be it on smart phones or even on the go with your laptop .” This interesting feature of mobility is a trademark of the Wibro technology that makes it even more convenient and flexible in terms of use, compared to other powerful technologies such as WIMAX.

This project will operate in the public sector for a while before switching to the private sector. It will be under government control offering the service at an undisclosed tarrif that is projected to be even lower than the one other internet service providers are charging right now.” The goal of this is to widen the Rwandan market in terms of access to internet. By offering a cheap and accessible service,the penetration rate of internet within the population which is at approximately 2% will be bound to increase. “ Observed Mark.

Even though Kigali will be the hub of this broad band technology, a nationwide expansion is anticipated to go underway with areas such as Rwamagana, Huye , Rusizi, Rubavu already having installed fiber optic networks. Other service providers such as MTN and TIGO will continue to be operational with the addition of WIBRO.” Implementation of this project is not aimed at competition, but rather a much bigger and far reaching goal that is expanding the Rwandan internet market. Few players will always keep the prices high but with the new addition of Wibro, prices will be cheaper for the service making it accessible to more people thus fulfilling our aim of increased penetration.” Says Mark

Rwanda is evidently striving in its path to development with advancements in ICT such as these. This Wibro technology is a big step technological step that will not only provide the population with a much better internet experience but also allow institutions, businesses to operate at a much a higher and more efficient level with a better internet connectivity thus consequently contributing to other areas of development.

A WINNING FIGHT IN THE ONGOING BATTLE AGAINST CORRUPTION

One of the prominent features of Rwanda’s development since the 1994 Genocide of the tutsi has been its ongoing fight against corruption. A battle that has produced rewarding results , as can be seen from a survey conducted by transparency international in 2010 , showing Rwanda to be the least corrupt country in East Africa by a considerable margin.

It’s incidents of bribery are so low with a prevalence of 6% compared to neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Burundi who range in the high 30’s. This impressive fact can perhaps be attributed to the nationwide anticorruption campaign and the reporting of cases of corruption from citizens.

Rwanda’s zero tolerance for corruption is a piece of evidence that can be illustrated with the recent incidence of corruption in Kanombe, kicukiro district of Kigali, where Lillian Maombi had been apprehended and caught in a malevolent act of bribery.

The spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police, Mr Badege, was there to give out his word by saying that incident should serve as an example to all individuals from the average citizens to those occupying high positions in government institutions that corruption should be avoided and prevented.

Its heavy a crime , its a bad principle, it’s a way of hindering the progress and development that we are undertaking and also a blemish to the judicial system in our country. He goes on to say on reference to Maombil Lillian ,a qualified judge but regrettably alleged as a culprit in this act of treachery.

In this nationwide sensitisation of anticorruption we wish to suppress the idea that power lies in those who are able carry out these activities of bribery and deceit. True power lies in abiding by the law. We should use this unfortunate occurrence as an example that there is no one above the law , be it those who facilitate in establishing it, such as judges. Most importantly , we should not be afraid to notify or report to the authorities in case of any malevolent activities like these. Those were the words of Mr Badedge during a press interview after the taking into custody of Mrs Lillian Maombi.

Rwanda has demonstrated outstanding dedication when it has come to fighting against corruption. It is a principle that we should continue to embrace in order to sustain our development as well as our responsibility as citizens to protect and preserve the rules that govern us.

TECHNOLOGY: Paving the way to true democracy

Ever since the word was coined millennia ago by the ancient Greek, Democracy has become a cornerstone for the way political ruling is carried out today. The marvellous concept of vesting the power in the people has become a principle by which many of today’s governments are now operating or for the most part claiming to do so. Accordingly, for this concept to be executed there needs to be a free electoral system, our democracy therefore ultimately relies on elections.

Throughout the years, history has shown that running a perfect election has become an impracticable idea. Elections if anything have been far from perfect in the way they have been executed. An observable fact whose occurrence can be attributed to the nature of the elections themselves. With the future of thousands or millions of people hanging in the balance, individuals over the ages have always tried to do whatever they could to have their say reign as supreme without mentioning the countless power corrupt leaders who have in their turn gone to the extremes of cheating elections in order to preserve their sovereignty.

This has consequently made the concept of true democracy somewhat questionable up to a certain extent. With so many incidents of missing elections votes , or fraud election results, the goal to true democracy worldwide still seems somewhat unattainable. Fortunately for us the advances in technology have been greater than our shortcomings in establishing governments for the people by the people. Technology once again has come to the rescue by giving us the potential to carry out elections in a truly outstanding manner.

With the use of technology I do not mean the conventional e-voting method that has been carried out for a while. A sophisticated yet unsuccessful alternative due to its unreliability to internet threats such as hackers and its open exposure to fraud. There is a new, better and simpler means that has been developed by researchers aiming to carry out elections differently. All it takes is a scanner, encrypted paper (the ballot form) and computers. Items that seem to be unremarkable in the sense of technology but when put together form the ideal ingredients to carrying out a perfect elections.

The notion behind this revolutionary idea is that elections despite their principle of secrecy, still need to be verifiable. A voter still needs to be able to go back and check if their vote has been counted. If people have the right and the means to go back and certify their vote then it opens a whole new window to transparency and truth.

The ironic fact of enabling verification while still maintaining secrecy is a puzzle and mystery that is cracked by the use of technology. The ballot form onto which the voter casts his vote is divided in two with one half containing the candidate list and the other the corresponding area for marking a choice. The candidate list is arranged in a different order on each ballot form. During the procedure when a voter finishes casting his vote he tears the paper in half and shreds the candidate list. This basically means that since the candidate list has been shredded there are no names to read but only choices left on the other half and due to the random order of the candidate list after tearing the paper no one will bother memorising the order of the candidates so that he can tell which one you picked. The secret however lies in the ballot form since it is an encrypted paper with a barcode on it. This means that the computer will be able to read and understand your vote.

The best thing about this procedure is that you get to take your vote home but leave it for counting by scanning your paper. The computer remains with a scanned photo of your ballot form and it is available online for verification. When one wishes to check for their vote they simply do so by comparing their ballot form with the digital image that is online.

The beauty about this whole procedure is the way it preserves the secrecy of your vote while at the same time respecting the fundamentals of transparency and verifiability. The voting officials won’t be able to check your vote, neither will the government or anybody else for that matter. The mystery behind your vote lies in your own confidentiality and the complicated encryption on your ballot form. No one can break in and cast away your vote because then it will go missing and since you still have the ballot form the lost vote can be verified for. Most importantly no one can change your vote because the digital image online won’t match your ballot form. To add on top of that any certified institution be it the news media , international observers or any ordinary person will have the capacity to download all the voting data and count it for themselves checking if all the votes have been counted correctly or if the announced result is truly the right one. This further reinforces the great lucidity that is trademark to this extraordinary way of voting.

This election magic is truly wonderful in all its simplicity. It truly paves way to freedom, truth and democracy. It is practical, simple and a great tool to establishing a real election by the people for the people.

Framing Effects