MUHANGA- Residents Nyarasange, in Muhanga District, have, over the commemoration week, raised over Rwf 3 million towards the construction of a Genocide memorial site in the sector

This was announced by Beatrice Uwamariya, the sector’s Executive Secretary, during the closure of the official commemoration week which concluded Wednesday.

During a fundraising event, yesterday, over Rwf 1.6 million was collected in cash and pledges. Over Rwf 32 million is required for the site located in Musongati cell.

"The new site will be home to the remains of 224 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi recovered over the years and have never been given a decent burial,” Uwamariya said.

Survivors say the move would solve the problem of holding memorials without any vivid memories of their beloved ones.

"The site is a sign of respect to victims…many victims’ remains have been scattered in various places, which doesn’t show respect,” said Oswald Kayihura, the representative of survivors in Nyarusange.

Survivors shared their testimonies of the Genocide and how they have managed to move on, 17 years down the road.

The families of survivors hailed Ibuka, the umbrella organisation of Genocide survivors’ associations, for its continued support.

MP Gonzague Rwigema, the guest speaker, told the residents that the funds raised would supplement government efforts in rebuilding the community. He promised to lobby for more funds to build the site.

Ends