HUYE – A foundation stone for a proposed milk collection centre for the association of cooperatives of community health workers in Huye district was unveiled on Tuesday in Rusatira Sector, by the Provincial Governor, Fidèle Ndayisaba.

Cooperative members have so far raised initial capital of Rwf26million and hope to raise the rest of the money needed through acquiring a bank loan, according to Pétronille Uwizeye, the head of the project.

Ndayisaba commended the cooperatives on the bold step taken in promoting their welfare. He said that the project complements other government programmes like the One-cow-per-family as livestock farmers will find a ready source for selling their surplus milk.

"This project is an answer to the problem of poverty. By pulling resources together you have taken a giant stride out of poverty circle and as government we will support you to ensure that your objectives are realised,” he said.

The Governor added that the project underscores the readiness of community health workers to promote good health of its members.

He said that once completed, the milk collection centre will bolster the government’s commitment to offer milk to pupils in primary schools.

The Governor revealed that the school milk programme has already kicked off in Kamonyi district where 5,000 pupils are now getting a litre of milk every week.

According to Uwizeye, the collection centre will have a capacity to collect 15,000 litres of milk daily from local residents.

"We intend to set up milk selling points around the area so as to serve the local population and another in Butare to serve the town folks,” said Uwizeye.

Community health workers assist local communities mainly in the areas of hygiene and sanitation, family planning, reduction of maternal and infant mortality and fighting malnutrition.

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