KIREHE - President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandans to focus on ways to attain economic development and make use of technology, a priority in order to enjoy improved standards of living.

He made this call while addressing thousands of residents of Ngoma and Kirehe districts who had gathered at the Kirehe District grounds.

The tour is aimed at assessing the progress and impact of different development projects the government initiated in the area.

Kagame told residents that many achievements have been registered in the areas of justice, unity and democracy, but there is a long way to go especially regarding economic progress and improving the standards of living among Rwandans.

He urged the residents to work with the government as they have previously done by pointing out weaknesses where they still exist.

He challenged them to continue working hard as always because through hard work, they can solve most of these problems. He stressed that there is no need to live in absolute poverty when they can work together to alleviate it using the resources and means available.

The President, who had earlier visited a Banana growing cooperative in Gatore Sector in the same District and a Mushroom growing project in Nyamiryango Cell, told Kirehe residents that it is possible to have maximum output from a small piece of land by using modern methods of farming and improved seeds.

He called on the local residents and Rwandans in general to continue supporting land consolidation programmes in order to increase their productivity and incomes. Meanwhile, Kagame officially inaugurated Kirehe Hospital which is the only hospital in the district.

The hospital which he had promised to the residents in 2001, was built through collaboration between Partners in Health and the Ministry of Health at a cost of Rwf250 million.

The 80-bed Hospital boasts of a two storeyed complex with both a Maternity and Paediatric Units. Also under construction is an Operation Ward that includes a theatre worth Rwf96 million.

Formerly, patients would be transferred to Kibungo Hospital, the nearest referral hospital, about 40km from Kirehe.

President Kagame is currently on a countrywide tour to assess and follow up on the progress and implementation of some of the pledges he made on his previous visit. As explained by the Minister of State for Agriculture Agnes Kalibata.

"As you all know, the President last year started initiatives to transform agriculture in the Eastern Province especially through land consolidation programmes and modern agricultural practices, MINAGRI and other partners started several projects to support farmers which we are here to assess.” Kalibata told the Press.

Banana District

Among the areas of intervention is the Banana growing project which has helped farmers grow high yield Apple Banana commonly known as Kamaramasenge and ordinary bananas.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, Christophe Bazivamo, Kirehe currently produces half of the bananas consumed in Rwanda due to interventions by MINAGRI, RARDA, RWODA, ISAR and others to sensitise farmers through cooperatives on looking after the plantations.

Ends