Rwandans have been urged  to keep the liberation spirit alive and desist from actions that could drive the country back to the dark past characterised by  ethnic divisions and genocide ideology.

Central and local government leaders, and Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) officers made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing hundreds of Gishyita residents in Karongi District during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of Musasa health post. The post is being built by the army in partnership with local residents.

"We are done with the armed struggle but the battle for peace and security continues. There is no way we can have electricity, water, roads and health facilities without peace and security,” said Lt. Gen. Fred Ibingira, the Chief of  Staff of the Reserve Forces.

He stressed the need for self reliance which he said was taught to RDF soldiers back in the 1990s during the liberation struggle.

Ibingira challenged residents to join hands with RDF to develop the country further.

Dr Anita Asiimwe, the State Minister for Public Health and Primary Health care urged Rwandans to unite and work together for self reliance.

She asked residents to embrace  the health programmes.

The Karongi District mayor Bernard Kayumba, who survived the Genocide from Bisesero, said in 1994 one of the area local leaders refused to extend clean water to the neighbourhood due to genocide ideology.

"He realised the Tutsi would benefit from the water, and decided to deviate it,” Kayumba said.