Bralirwa, the country’s leading beverage manufacturer yesterday handed over Rwf21m to the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN) to support the Bye Bye Nyakatsi project to eradicate grass thatched huts in Bugesera. The project is the brainchild of Rwandans living in the Diaspora

The agreement was signed, yesterday, by the Managing Director of Bralirwa, Sven Piederie,t and the leadership of RDGN headed by Robert Masozera, the Director General of Diaspora at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking at the ceremony, Piederiet said that the contribution to the project is part of Bralirwa Corporate Social Responsibility as well as the need to support the government programme to eradicate Nyakatsi.

"Bralirwa is a good corporate citizen and one of the biggest companies in Rwanda with a mission to be a world class sustainable beverage company  satisfying its customers’ demands, and we do that in a respectful manner; respecting the people and the environment we live in,” he said.

"In that context, we have decided to support this project. We receive many requests for sponsorship, many requests for support; but once we received this proposal, we didn’t have any doubt,” Piederiet said.

He noted that the overall objective - to construct 504 modern low-cost houses for underprivileged families in Bugesera -  is worth supporting, adding that the Rwandan Diaspora has continued to impress in its initiatives to develop the country, which compelled the company to support the latest initiative.

"The project itself is of high importance and highly creative. I believe, today, there is no better project in the same sense that exists and I believe Bugesera District, which is still largely underdeveloped, was the right choice for the location of the project,” he added.

Piederiet said that BRALIRWA is committed to continue supporting government programmes aimed at improving lives and will continue supporting those involved in such efforts. BRALIRWA also contributed Rwf21m to the One Dollar Campaign.

Masozera commended BRALIRWA for the contribution saying that it should serve as an example to others.

Apart from Bralirwa, other platinum contributors include Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), the Ombudsman’s Office, RECO-RWASCO and CMAC.
He added that contributions, both in cash and pledges, are now between Rwf60-200m.

Several concerts and trade expo have been organised to raise funds for the project. Dr. Buchanan said that the project will be fast-tracked to be in line with the government deadline to eradicate Nyakatsi.

Construction is expected to kick of in 2 to 3 months.

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