The Mayor of Kigali, Monique Mukaruliza, has said cleanliness coupled with security and fast development are trademarks for which the city is known and therefore should be taken seriously by everyone.

She said this yesterday during a special Umuganda in Kabuga where city of Kigali officials, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP) partnered with citizens in communal work aimed at promoting security and hygiene.

Activities were conducted in three city districts including Nyarugenge, Kicukiro and Gasabo in efforts to implement Imihigo (performance contracts) signed on August 8 between RNP and CoK binding all three parties.

They will partner in ensuring good sanitation, building stronger and functioning community policing committees, community night patrols, fighting drug abuse, domestic violence, noise pollution, sell of alcoholic drinks to minors, fire outbreaks, public order management and promoting road security.

"There is a lot you are seeing in the city today, the development is very fast and the cleanliness is talked about the world over. Let everyone be responsible. We are not asking you what is beyond your capacity, we just ask you to be responsible as we also do our part,” said Mukaruliza.

She thanked RDF and RNP for their corporation and expressed optimism that by the end of the campaign in December, cleanliness will have established itself as a culture in the community.

"We believe by December, hygiene and security will be maximum whether in your homes or neighbourhoods. We want at the end of the campaign that if someone finds any trash on the way, they will feel like it is a responsibility to pick it up. 

Maj. General Mubaraka Muganga urged the citizens to be vigilant not only about security but sanitation as well which he referred to as the "first security.”

"Hygiene is very important aspect in our community. It goes hand in hand with security. We cannot accept to see our citizens die of poor sanitation. Poor hygiene is abominable in the Rwandan culture,” he said.

Emmanuel Gasana, the Inspector General of Police, said cleanliness was a necessary factor, without which development was impossible.

"Cleanliness and development go hand-in-hand. With good sanitation, citizens are assured of a healthy environment which contributes to healthy bodies and minds. Poor sanitation can only take us backwards,” he said.

He challenged the people of Kabuga to step up their hygiene which he said is not yet at the desired level. He urged them to always deliver information to the police concerning illegal gambling, drug abuse, child neglect, among other crimes.

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