Tech-savvy Rwanda is using drones to keep residents of the capital Kigali informed of coronavirus lockdown measures - and help catch those who abuse them.
While police stop cars and pedestrians on streets to ask why they are out, two drones buzz above them, one loudly broadcasting instructions and the other monitoring movements.
“Drones are flying in areas where checkpoints are not mounted and where patrols could not be there,” said police spokesman John Bosco Kabera.
Among culprits have been a pastor who pretended to be on her way to give a radio interview when in fact she was heading to church despite the ban on public gatherings.
She was arrested and held for several days.
In another case, a man with permission to supply food was found transporting liquor instead, Kabera said.
“Just stay at home. That’s what we are enforcing.”
Like many African nations, Rwanda has relatively few coronavirus cases so far - just 138 confirmed, with no deaths - but there are fears the pandemic could do far worse damage in the world’s poorest continent in coming months.
Rwanda began a major lockdown on March 21, with residents only allowed to leave their homes to buy food or medicine and travel between cities and districts forbidden. On Friday, those measures were extended until April 30.
Rwanda has long aspired to be a regional technology hub, but its use of drones to combat the coronavirus is not unique.
From Indian slums to English countryside, a host of nations are deploying drones to publicize rules, check movements and even spray disinfectant.
Rehema Kanyana, a 50-year old Rwandan mother of four, said she had only left home once since the lockdown came into effect on March 21, to withdraw cash to take one of her children to hospital, but was struck by the strict enforcement.
“On the way to hospital, police stopped us like four or five times,” she said. Staying at home was tough for many, who were short of food, she added, though state handouts were helping.
Latest Stories
-
Managing Prediabetes with the Help of a Dietitian
15 mins -
Joy FM listeners criticise Achiase Commanding Officer’s election comment
36 mins -
Legal Aid Commission employees threaten strike over poor working conditions
38 mins -
Ghana ranked 7th globally as biggest beneficiary of World Bank funding
48 mins -
IMF board to disburse $360m to Ghana in December after third review
52 mins -
Former Bono Regional NPP organiser donates 13 motorbikes to 12 constituencies
58 mins -
Securities industry: Assets under management estimated at GH¢81.7bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
3 hours -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
3 hours -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
3 hours -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
3 hours -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
3 hours -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
3 hours -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
3 hours -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
4 hours