“You can protect the country against enemy assaults. We have no gaps with this. But there emerges the issue of development. When citizens understand that all activities are their concern making it their own, it triggers a good culture of dedication and love for the nation,” he said.
“A citizen must understand that activities done in Rwanda are meant to enhance his/her welfare. You cannot assume to be in comfort while citizens are not safeguarded,” added Maj Gen Murasira.
He was launching Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) Citizen Outreach Programs 2019 (COP2019) which focuses on addressing human security issues in the areas of agriculture, health, and providing shelter for vulnerable people and building infrastructure among others.
The program will be conducted from 17th April until 30 July 2019. It aligns with RDF mandate to support Government efforts in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, healthcare, education and other activities aimed at addressing human security challenges.
Maj Gen Murasira was accompanied by Kigali city officials during activities in which they joined residents of Kigali sector in Nyarugenge district to launch the three-month-long activities.
They laid a foundation stone to the construction of 3.8 km water conduit to distribute safe water to residents of Kigali sector, especially in Karama model village.
Minister Murasira said that the uniqueness of the program is the mobilization of citizens to play an inclusive role in development projects brought to them and urged them to make it their own.
Other activities planned during RDF COP2019 include: Providing free medical services, improving health and sanitation to 137,900 patients, construction of 1,141 houses for the vulnerable in selected areas, cultivating 11,139 hectares, controlling erosion and protecting the environment on 453 km, and developing terraces on 1,114 terraces.
The Mayor of Kigali city, Marie Chantal Rwakazina unveiled that RDF will give them the support of renovating bridges, building water conduits, roads, conserving marshlands and building houses for vulnerable residents in different districts.
Antoine Uzabakiriho, one of the residents told IGIHE that it is of great value to engage in development activities with soldiers, unlike the past where citizens were afraid of approaching soldiers.
“It is apparently a commendable milestone collaborating with our soldiers in such activities. We are thankful to God because the country has changed for good. Nothing will hinder our way to happiness and development,” he said.
RDF Citizen Outreach Progam was launched in 2009. Figures from the Ministry of Defense indicate that activities worth over Rwf 200 billion were conducted last year.
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