BUJUMBURA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A China-supported solar street lighting project has been completed in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, aligning with the African country's vision to promote clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development, senior officials said.
The project was implemented along Mao Zedong Boulevard in the Mukaza District of Bujumbura. Supported by China's Sichuan Province, the boulevard is now equipped with 101 solar-powered streetlights that automatically switch on and off according to natural light levels.
The Burundian government expressed deep gratitude to China for its support during a ceremony marking the project's completion on Friday night.
"This modern and sustainable infrastructure is an important step in the modernization of our commercial capital (Bujumbura)," said Martin Ndayizeye, permanent secretary at the Burundian Ministry of Energy and Mining, Industry, Trade, and Tourism.
Praising China as "a strategic and faithful partner" of Burundi, Ndayizeye noted that "this generous support illustrates again excellent relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries."
Florent Nkezabahiz, adviser responsible for economic affairs and development to the governor of the province of Bujumbura, said the project "is a precious gift that will light up our nights, keep our fellow citizens safe, boost the nighttime economy and beautify our capital city."
Mao Zedong Boulevard stretches 1.2 km and was named by the Bujumbura City Council in 1978 to honor Mao's contribution to African independence movements and to commemorate the China-Burundi friendship.
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