WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — The district Ag mayor Evaliste Bizimana, has commended RDF soldiers of the 211 Brigade, and students of Kigali Independent University [ULK] Gisenyi campus, for their contribution in combating soil erosion.

While addressing the students recently, Bizimana challenged students to tirelessly work hard for the country’s development.

He said the soldiers in addition to providing security, have directly participated in other developmental activities such as environmental conservation, and construction of houses for the disabled and Genocide survivors, in various sectors of the district.

"I would like to thank you [students] and RDF soldiers, for the combined efforts in planting trees to combat soil erosion; which is a challenge to the district due to its topographic nature of  elevated hills. You did a great job last year and I ask you to continue with the same spirit even in 2008,” he said.

According to Jean-Pierre Nkurunzinza, ULK academic Vice Rector, the RDF and the campus last year signed an agreement to create team work between students and 211 Brigade soldiers, in addressing environmental issues which he said has achieved a lot in environmental conservation.

He said the university has set up an environmental protection club called Inshuti z’ibitukikige, with the objective of monitoring and protecting over 2,000 trees planted in the district.

Maj. Gen. Ceaser Kayizari of the RDF, while launching the tree planting exercise last year, on Rubavu hill, described their partnership as a sign of nationalism, and a practical way of participating in national development, in addition to ensuring security of Rwandans. According to Fred Rubahiza, a student, they [students] are ready for continuous participation in that regard.

"Our province in September was hit by disasters in which 17 people died and hundreds left homeless by the torrential waters from the eroded hills. This was largely caused by soil erosion due to human activities. It is therefore our duty to not only to participate in the environmental conservation, but also as intellectuals, to educate the masses about the importance of environmental fortification,” he said. 

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