Nyagatare, 23rd November 2017- Hon. MUSONI James, Minister of Infrastructure officiated yesterday, the inauguration of Rwabiharamba Model Village in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province.

Rwabiharamba Model Village comprises of eight units constructed in four-in-one with solar system connection and water tanks for rain water harvesting. It has provided also a multipurpose building, schools, a health post, a modern market and workshop place (locally called agakiriro), playgrounds, cowsheds and a 9-kilometre road linking the village to the main road Kagitumba-Kayonza with estimated cost of 1.8 billion Rwandan Francs.

In his remarks, Hon Minister saluted the leadership of H.E Paul Kagame who has prioritized the Integrated Development Programme (IDP) for rural settlement as one of key priority intervention to meet Rwanda needs. He said “This is a good programme being implemented countrywide, benefiting the most vulnerable”.

Referring to the inaugurated infrastructures, Minister MUSONI called upon residents of Rwabiharamba Village to use this opportunity to transform their lives. He ensured the continued support from Government, and therefore recommended the proper management and protection of the acquired facilities.

Beneficiaries are delighted with this progamme. Scovia Nyiramatama is among 16 families who benefited a house. “I am a widow; my husband was killed in Tanzania before we had been expelled from there. My children and I, left all properties including cows.  Arriving in Rwanda, we lived in a single house rendered by local authorities. I have never lived in such house with electricity. Now I am very, very happy. I firmly thank our President, H.E Paul Kagame for his visionary leadership and caring for vulnerable communities.” said Mukandamira while sitting together with Minister MUSONI in her house. 

MUPENZI George, the Mayor of Nyagatare District, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their valuable contribution in the implementation of the project especially Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Reserve Force that constructed the houses and other partners who provided different equipment.

The Government of Rwanda has set targets to have 70 per cent of Rwandans residing in rural model villages and 35 percent living in urban areas by 2020.

Throughout this year several Model Villages have been constructed and inaugurated in other parts of the country.