Second Batch of INES-Ruhengeri IIT Students Completes Insightful Visit to CIMERWA Musanze Plant

April 3, 2025 – Musanze

As part of its ongoing commitment to applied learning, INES-Ruhengeri facilitated a second academic field visit to the CIMERWA Musanze Plant for 20 third-year students from the Information and Industrial Technology (IIT) program. Taking place on the morning of April 3, 2025, the visit aimed to deepen students' understanding of industrial automation and its practical applications in cement manufacturing.

Upon arrival, students received a thorough safety briefing focused on both general workplace safety and protocols specific to the cement production environment. The session covered vital topics such as elimination and substitution techniques, engineering controls, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, hazard identification, and compliance with operational safety regulations. These measures were strictly observed throughout the visit, ensuring the safety of all participants.

During the tour, students gained a comprehensive view of the cement manufacturing process—from raw material intake to the production of the final cement product. A highlight of the visit was the in-depth exploration of the plant’s control room, where students observed the integration of advanced technologies including sensors, robotics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the automation process. They also received briefings on data monitoring strategies and cybersecurity measures that safeguard the reliability and integrity of automated industrial systems.

In addition to technical insights, the students learned about environmental control efforts implemented by the plant, such as dust suppression techniques, which play a crucial role in sustainable cement production.

The hands-on experience not only reinforced theoretical concepts from their academic coursework but also sparked deeper interest in industrial automation and control systems as applied in large-scale production environments.

INES-Ruhengeri expresses its sincere gratitude to the CIMERWA Musanze Branch for their continued support and generous hospitality. Special appreciation goes to William Kimenyi, Eng. Remy, and the team of professionals who offered expert guidance and valuable insights throughout the visit. The student delegation was led by Consollee Mbonimana, Lecturer at INES-Ruhengeri.

This field visit marks another successful step in INES-Ruhengeri’s mission to blend academic learning with practical industry exposure, preparing students for impactful careers in the tech-driven industrial sector.