President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, yesterday, participated in the monthly community service (Umuganda) in Bwiza in Kayonza District, Eastern Province where they dug water trenches alongside hundreds of residents.

Speaking to thousands of residents gathered for an interactive discussion that is an integral part of Umuganda, President Kagame pointed to the role of Umuganda in transforming lives:

"Umuganda is about all of us joinig hands and working together to develop ourselves. If we do not work together we will not move forward.”

Emphasizing the strategic location of Kayonza as bordering both Uganda and Tanzania, Kagame called on residents to tap this opportunity to develop trade in the area.

The Government has set aside at least Rwf200 billion for the reconstruction of the road linking Kayonza to both Kagitumba border with Uganda and the Rusumo border with Tanzania.

The Mayor of Kayonza District, Jean-Claude Murenzi, said that the construction of roads in Bwiza area, which is in Mukarange Sector, is in line with the implementation of the new city master plan for Kayonza.

"Implementing the city’s master plan requires everyone’s cooperation and it’s an opportunity for investors because there are opportunities in developing Kayonza town,” he said.

Kagame took the opportunity to address challenges facing residents including education and urged residents to prioritize their children education by building on the support provided by government through free schools.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that every Rwandan child is in school and not on the streets.”

The President also fielded questions from residents, many of which concerned land related conflicts and tasked local authorities to ensure all issues are addressed in the shortest delay.

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