Residents of Kiyumba Cell of Cyanika Sector, Nyamagabe District, have welcomed the construction of a health post in the area, noting that it will help bring health services closer to their communities.

The Kiyumba health post is one of the estimated 500 standard health posts set to be constructed across the country as part of activities to mark the 20th liberation anniversary.

The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) is spearheading the activities as part of their annual outreach programme dubbed ‘Army Week’.

Building health posts as part of ‘Kwibohora20’ campaign will contribute to the government’s vision of establishing at least one health post per cell by 2017, according to officials.

Activities to launch the project were held simultaneously in five districts across the country on Tuesday Kicukiro District, Kigali; Nyagatare Eastern Province, Gicumbi, Northern Province; Karongi, Western Province; and Nyamagabe in the  Southern Province.

Officials said the locations were chosen because of their historical significance during the liberation struggle.

Nyamagabe District, in particular, was selected because of its successful transformation journey from an area previously synonymous with famine, stunting, poor living conditions and extreme poverty to a hunger-free zone and a model of socio-economic growth thanks to the implementation of the various developmental programmes initiated by the Government.

Residents excited

Residents who attended the launch of the activities in Cyanika said they are expecting to get quality services closer to their homes.

The residents, who said they used to trek about eight kilometres to reach the nearest health centre, said the post is a boost to their health.

The health post will cost an estimated Rwf10 million, excluding contribution of area residents and soldiers through Umuganda, according to official figures.

Two more health posts will be built in Nyamagabe District as part of the Kwibohoro20 campaign–one in Tare sector and another in Uwinkingi.

The State Minister for Social Affairs at Ministry of Local Government, Dr Alivera Mukabaramba, commended the initiative, noting that it will further help improve people’s lives.