Free Public Internet at Huye Parking Garden Earns Praise from Residents

Seven months after the introduction of free public internet at the Parking Garden in Huye City, residents of the area say the service has significantly improved their daily lives, particularly by providing a space to relax, access timely information, and communicate easily through digital technology.

The Parking Garden in Huye City has become a daily meeting point for various groups of people, especially young residents, who sit on the installed benches and make use of the free internet while relaxing, socializing, or carrying out different technology-related activities.

Jean Claude Niyonsenga, a regular visitor to the garden, says the free internet has been highly beneficial. “This place is very relaxing. I come here to rest, use the internet to follow current news, and chat with friends. Without this free internet, I would have to buy data bundles all the time,” he said.

Alice Mukamana, a mother and small business owner who operates near the area, noted that the internet also supports her daily work. “When I am here, I use the internet to check market prices and communicate with my customers. It helps me grow my business at no cost,” she explained.

Eric Habimana, a university student, said the garden has become an important resource for his studies. “As a student, internet access is essential. I often do research here and submit assignments in a quiet and pleasant environment,” he said.

The Vice Mayor of Huye District in charge of Economic Development, Kamana André, explained that the decision to provide free internet in the garden was aimed at helping residents keep pace with global technological advancements. “We developed the Parking Garden in Huye City to give residents a place to relax and socialize, while also embracing the digital world. Free internet is a solution for many people who cannot afford to purchase data regularly,” he said.

He added that Huye District will continue to invest in projects that promote technology and improve the overall well-being of residents.

Global statistics show that in 2024, more than 5.3 billion people worldwide representing 66 percent of the global population were using the internet. In Africa, internet penetration has reached 43 percent, marking a significant increase compared to just 2 percent twenty years ago.

Currently, Rwanda ranks third in Africa for high-speed internet availability and is among the top 16 countries globally, demonstrating the growing role of digital technology as a key driver of national development.

These achievements highlight the importance of initiatives such as free public internet in communal spaces like Huye Parking Garden, which are seen as practical steps toward building a digitally inclusive society and improving public access to information.