WESTERN PROVINCE

RUTSIRO — Within a period of two days, a total of 97 patients were last week treated of different ailments at Murunda Hospital in Rutsiro District by a joint medical team composed of civilian and Rwanda Defence Forces doctors.

This was part of various humanitarian activities organised to mark the Army Week during which local residents joined soldiers to carry out a number of other activities.

Talking to The New Times, Dr Jean Nepo Sindikubwabo, a medical official at the hospital, said the army doctors helped them to ensure that public health among Rwandans becomes reality.

The patients with more complicated conditions were referred to Kanombe Military Hospital for further consultations. 

 "We cannot advocate that this exercise goes on forever because of obvious reasons but it is a very good development. It was impossible to treat all these people without external support from the RDF,” Sindikubwabo said.

Sindikubwabo commended the armed forces for the humanitarian works and challenged all other institutions to emulate them.

The soldiers also sensitised residents on how to prevent various infectious diseases that are still prevalent in villages. They also levelled plots where houses for the needy residents will be constructed.

Major John Ndengeyinka, the Commander of the RDF 4th Battalion which operates in districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero expressed willingness to continue long term projects working with the community.

"We as soldiers intend to keep doing appropriate developmental work with civilians, to do what one is supposed to do and give more value to our formerly distorted community,” Ndengeyinka said.

Currently, roads connecting different villages are being built and construction of the houses is also underway.

Emanuel Twagize, one of the beneficiaries of the housing scheme, told The New Times that it was a new phenomenon to mingle with soldiers, which was not common during previous regimes. 

"We used to fear soldiers and they could never involve themselves in helping the community but at this rate, water and power will also reach our remote village so soon,” he said.

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