SOUTHERN PROVINCE

NYAMAGABE—The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) last Friday donated food items worth Rwf 1. 3 Million to 52 families of genocide survivors in Cyanika, Nyamagabe District.

Dr. Rose Mukankomeje the Director General of REMA, said the organization  felt they had to naturally support Genocide survivors during the ongoing commemoration period.

"During these 100 days of commemoration all institutions should lend a helping hand to survivors,” she said.

Dr. Mukankomeje urged orphans and the widows to remain strong and hopeful despite the challenges they face. She further noted that the government and other institutions will never forsake them.

"Do not despair at the moment. Remember that you paid no price to survive .You passed through the same period with your relative who died during the 1994 Genocide. The fact that you are still alive should assure you of a good future,” she counselled. She  further told survivors to strive for self sufficiency

Philbert Mugisha, the Executive Secretary of Cyanika Sector thanked REMA for the donation, describing it as a wonderful gesture.

Martin Musengima, who spoke on behalf of the orphans, appealed to authorities to further help orphans to accomplish their dreams of pursuing  higher education.

Cyanika is one of the sectors with a huge number of genocide victims in Nyamagabe District.

Over 20,000 Tutsi were massacred in this district. However remains of a vast majority of victims have not been discovered. This has hampered reburial efforts by the local authorities.

During the occasion the sector leaders told The New Times that they are keen to collect over Rwf 60 Million to construct a memorial site for the victims.

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