Rwamagana - A Rwf 39 million business complex constructed with support from Japan was handed over to cooperatives in Musha sector of Rwamagana District yesterday.

The Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Kunio Hatanaka, who presided over the function, said that he was proud of Japan's support to Rwanda, especially in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and Vision 2020.

He said it was very good that Japan was supporting grass root projects in rural areas to fight against poverty.

"The building can serve multiple purposes to benefit the local community and help them overcome poverty. Cooperative activities including training sessions will be run in the complex,” he said.

The mayor of Rwamagana, Neheme Uwimana, urged the community to take good care of the building and use it to the benefit of the people.

"The Japanese assistance has been timely...it remains upon the cooperatives to maximise the use of the building for their good. Local authorities will keep an eye on them and assist as deemed necessary,” he said.

Mariya Mukakibibi a member of one of the cooperatives, said that the building means a lot to them especially when it comes to storing and displaying their products.

She said that with the building they will be able display their products for potential buyers.

"We are not going to work in a disorganised way anymore...our leaders will be able to organise us according to what we deal in. Arts and Crafts is my area of specialisation, I thus expect to be where I can meet my trainers and clients buying finished products,” she said.

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