Residents of Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District have renovated a memorial site for 1994 Genocide victims in the area after collecting individual contributions worth Rwf12 million.

The memorial site is home to over 25,000 victims from neighbouring cells of Kimironko, Kibagabaga, Kinyinya, Nyarutarama and the nearby Bumbogo Sector.

Francine Niwemugeni, the chairperson of Ibuka, the umbrella organisation for Genocide survivors, in Kimironko Sector, said their decision was largely in memory of Genocide victims.

The Minister for Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali, said the initiative by Kimironko residents was worth emulating as it supplements government efforts in keeping Genocide memorial sites in good condition.

"The government is aiming at having as few Genocide memorial sites as possible for effective renovation. We, therefore, challenge other communities to draw lessons from Kimironko residents and renovate Genocide memorial sites in their areas in honour of the victims,” Mitali said.

He added: "The government is doing everything possible to rebuild the nation, while drawing lessons from the country’s history. Our intention is to show the world that from the ashes, we can still stand firm, ready to face our challenges in rebuilding a united Rwanda.”

Kimironko is one of the sectors in Kigali that bore the worst brunt of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The area is home to over 85 families of Genocide orphans, and 184 widow families under the Association of Genocide Widows Agahozo (AVEGA).