Rwanda National Police (RNP) has pledged to give a face-lift to a sports facility in Gikomero Sector in Gasabo District as part of its programme of supporting sports development in the country, and to enhance the Police-public partnership to reduce crime.

This pledge was made during a special community exercise (Umuganda) held in Munini Cell in Gikomero on Saturday, where levelling of the playground started.

Umuganda was organised by the youth as part of the implementation of their decisions adopted during a recent youth retreat.

One of the resolutions of the retreat is to create and refurbish football grounds in every cell across the country.

The Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, who presided over the exercise, thanked Rwandan youth for taking the forefront in implementing development policies and programmes.

"The Government provided a platform for the youth to be agents of development” Gasinzigwa said.

She commended security organs for supporting community development and thanked the Police for reaching out to Gikomero residents with human security and sports development initiatives.

"Although there is security in Rwanda today, we have to bear in mind that there could be some negative ideas or forces that might target the youth. Stay focused, do not be distracted by such evil ideas; instead, partner with security organs to fight crime instead,” she told the youth.

Gasinzigwa challenged parents and leaders to support children in their sports careers and to put much emphasis in sports development in their communities.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana said: "The Police’s engineering regiment is going to deploy its machines here and level this playground to the required standard,” he said.

Currently, the playground has potholes, part of it is hilly and it does not meet the standard size.

The expansion will also include setting up volleyball and basketball coats.

The Police chief also pledged uniforms for Gikomero Football Club.

"The Police attaches much value to youth and sports development. All this is done because there is security and peace in the country, but we should make the partnership stronger to fight things like negative ideology, illicit drugs and other illegal tendencies which undermine development,” he added.

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