RUSIZI-The Minister of Trade and Commerce, Francois Kanimba, has called upon residents in Rusizi District to adopt the culture of saving to achieve sustainable development.

The Minister made the remarks Tuesday during the inauguration of the Rwf 13 million Umurenge-SACCO facility in Nyakarenzo Sector.

"Saving is not for the rich farmers alone. Saving means value and development for all people starting with the little they have,” said Kanimba.

The funding of the construction works accrued from bank savings and interests on loans offered to SACCO members.

"This building is a clear example of the many benefits of saving. Personal and area development can only occur when people embrace the culture of saving with financial institutions,” said Kanimba.

The SACCO, which was launched in 2009, has registered many developments that have not only touched the lives of the members, but also seen the area prosper.

According to its manager, Charlotte Beninka, they started with 400 members but the number has dramatically risen to about 4,000.

"The Rwf 15 million deposits the Sacco started with have now multiplied to Rwf 101 million,” she said. 

Residents hailed the SACCO.

"We now have income generating businesses. We can buy fertilizers for our farms and raise animals,” said Lambert Munyashema.

"Our money is secure and saving is much easier since Umurenge SACCO started,” another resident, Esther Nyiruwingeri said.

Meanwhile, the minister also visited development projects in the district, including CIMERWA cement factory and Bugarama rice farms.

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