NYAMASHEKE - PRESIDENT Paul Kagame, yesterday, hailed residents of Nyamasheke District for working hard to eliminate poverty and achieve development goals in line with the country’s vision.

Addressing a mammoth crowd which had gathered at Nyamasheke Parish football grounds, President Kagame said that despite a devastating  earthquake that hit the district a couple of years ago, it had emerged as one of the best in improving the lives of its residents.

The President, who is on a tour of the Western Province, further urged the residents to build on what was already in place and aim even higher.

Kagame thanked the residents for understanding the importance of peace and stability, and working together. He added that Rwandans should not listen to those with intentions of dividing or misleading them.

He reminded the residents that through hard work, they can achieve what they want and that no one can determine the future of Rwandans better than themselves.

Kagame pledged continued government support, and promised to extend electricity to more households and increase access by expanding the road network.  He noted that while infrastructure development requires a lot of input from the government, Rwandans too can contribute to their own wellbeing, a foundation for the government to build on.
He cited an example of three model households he had visited earlier in Kinini Village. The households have thrived on income generated from coffee growing and livestock farming.

Kagame, urged residents to take advantage of the beautiful nature and scenery in the area that make it a tourist attraction, therefore, a potential source of revenue. Nyungwe Forest Lodge, one of the two 5-Star hotels, is located in the area.

The President told the residents that migrating to cities is not a shortcut to progress, but rather a stumbling block, since opportunities are not necessarily in urban settings. 
Later, Kagame met opinion leaders from Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts where he urged them to serve in the interests of the people.

The President issued a stern warning to anyone who plans to threaten the security of the country, saying that they will be dealt with seriously. He added that greed and corruption are one of the vices that have hindered the development of the country, adding that those found guilty will be punished severely. A good leader, he said, confronts such people and condemns their behaviour.

In reference to Victoire Ingabire, of the yet-to-be registered political party, FDU Inkingi, Kagame wondered how foreign countries could possibly choose to front someone who has not been part of the struggle to rebuild the country.

The President said that those seconding the likes of Ingabire, should take them to their own countries because Rwandans are not about to surrender the sweat of their struggle, adding that it is the highest level of arrogance for foreigners to seek to impose such politicians on the Rwandan people.

Kagame pointed out that it is through choosing good leaders that the country has managed to succeed, adding that it is possible to lose what has been achieved if they choose bad leaders.

On trade, the President said that there is huge trade potential between the Western Province and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), because there is a lot the DRC needs, including food supplies and livestock, which Rwandans can supply.

The President will, today, officiate at the National Tax Payers Day celebrations in Rusizi District.

Ends