KAMONYI/NYAGATARE – The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has handed over a newly constructed 19km feeder road to residents of Rugalika Sector in Kamonyi District.

The road was commissioned on July 7, at a ceremony attended by hundreds of residents. Its construction kicked off on June 26, with combined efforts which also brought in   efforts from residents and National Police in the district as part of activities to mark what was dubbed as the Army Week, according to Col. Jean Damascene Sekamana, the RDF commander in Kamonyi.

Col. Sekamana said, "As part of reconstruction, the armed forces are determined to support residents in developmental activities and residents’ efforts are needed as well in such activities of rebuilding a new nation.”

He also urged residents to seek support from security organs, stressing that the RDF are open and willing to support residents at all times.

The road is expected to provide easy access to markets and promote business activities in the community and its neighbourhoods, local leaders say.

Residents who talked to The New Times hailed the RDF  for the humanitarian work, saying lack of access roads was an impediment to pursuance of  economic activities.  

"The road had become impassable and an impediment to trade. We are grateful to RDF soldiers and this is true sign of liberation,” Therese Nyiransengimana a resident said.

Meanwhile, in Nyagatare District, the RDF and civilian doctors treated over 440 patients with dental problems at Nyagatare Hospital.

According to LT. Pierre Claver Mazimpaka, who is in charge of the outreach programme, the operation started last week with few patients attending  but later the number increased.

"The operation started with few patients attending due to poor communication, but later the numbers swelled to 440 patients operated,” he said.

Mazimpaka noted that the operations were successful, adding that time allocated for the exercise was not enough and they expected to extend the programme by  two more weeks.

"We have covered Nyagatare and Kirehe and we are now in Rwamagana but we still have to cover Gatsibo and Kayonza. We have been promised two more weeks to cover the rest of the areas,” he said.

Diane Mutesi, a dental therapist at Nyagatare Hospital, said the army activities have boosted their work.

"The Army Week has greatly helped us. It is a big boost…Imagine operating 440 patients in just five days,” she said.

Apart from dental surgeries, the soldiers in conjunction with district health officials carried out voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and constructed model settlements (Mudugudu) in different areas.

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