{The Rwanda National Police (RNP) countrywide environmental protection awareness campaign was extended to commercial cyclists in Gatsibo District on January 28 where they were challenged to reinforce the fight against environmental degradation.}
The RNP is currently actively involved in sensitizing the public on environmental protection as means to reinforce conservation.
During the awareness held in Kabarore Sector, Inspector of Police (IP) Roger Rwakayiro, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Gatsibo, reminded the cyclists of their role to conserve nature and other illegal activities perpetuated in their communities where they live and work.
“Conserving the environment means preserving health and it should be the focus of everyone wherever we go and in whatever we do,” IP Rwakayiro noted.
He pointed out that littering bottles, cutting of trees and substandard and unlawful mining activities are some of the environmental related crimes, which they should fight through effective collaboration with police, community policing committees and local leaders, through timely information exchange.
Pointing out wildfires as one of the common incidences in the district especially during dry season, he cited bee harvesting in prohibited environmental reserves like forests and national parks, littering lit cigarettes, and burning of waste in the garden, which is also unlawful, as major causes.
“Some of you collaborate with suspects to transport their unlawful goods like banned polythene bags. Instead, you should be an eye for other Rwandans and report such people that attempt to make you their accomplice in crime,” he said.
IP Rwakayiro also took time to sensitize them on fighting drug related crimes and urged them to report anyone that could be involved in trafficking, selling or abusing drugs like Kanyanga and chief waragi, both illicit gin common in the district, and cannabis.
Several members of the cyclists’ association in Gastibo, who attended the meeting, pledged to play their part in fighting both drug abuse and environmental degradation by providing police with credible information on those involved.
Leave a Reply