Senate President Bernard Makuza yesterday urged resident s of Vision 2020 village in Kinyinya sector, Gasabo district, to stop the habit of dodging the monthly community service (Umuganda).

Held across the country every last Saturday of every month, Umuganda is one of the country’s home-grown solutions geared towards boosting national development efforts.

Makuza was addressing Gacuriro residents shortly after he joined them in clearing bushes within and around their village.  

"We all know that community work brings benefits to all of us, but how can someone stay in bed while others are doing community work?” Makuza asked after Umuganda.

The Senate President noted that for the last 10 years, Umuganda activities across the country have contributed more than $100 million.

He thus stressed that every single individual should think about their contributions and blame themselves in case they don’t contribute anything.

"Community work is our opportunity to join our efforts and work for our country’s development instead of staying in bed until community work is finished,” Makuza told Gacuriro residents.

Village heads, especially in urban areas, have often found it challenging to deal with people who take advantage of the day to either stay in bed or keep to their homes, while only a few others join Umuganda.

Jacqueline Musemayire, Gacuriro Vision 2020 village chief, said residents should take pride in participating in Umuganda since it has both social and economic impact on the village.

"Umuganda is an opportunity to discuss important issues that concern us, our village’s welfare as well as other government programs. Besides, it is a good opportunity for residents to know each other,” she noted.

Gacuriro vision 2020 village has 340 households.

editoril@newtimes.co.rw