The staff members of Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) contributed Rwf141 million to Agaciro Development Fund.Handing over the cheque to the Minister of Finance yesterday, the bank’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paul Van Apeldoorn thanked the employees and board for the enthusiasm with which they contributed to the fund. "It’s a symbol of our continued commitment to the development of Rwanda with particular emphasis on rural areas, where our bank has had a very significant presence for over 30 years,” he said. Yesterday’s contribution comes as an addition to the bank’s contribution to the same fund during its launch in August this year.Apeldoorn is optimistic that the fund will mainly look at funding development projects that will boost the social and economic growth of the country especially rural areas."The contribution to the sovereignty fund will lead to the country’s economic growth which has always been our target,” he said.BPR is the country’s market leader by clientele and has had a strong footprint in rural areas, with presence across the country through 18 branches, 109 sub branches, and 61 outlets according to the bank’s website.Minister Rwangombwa appreciated the staff for their contribution, reiterating the government approach of voluntary contribution."We appreciate that self driven commitment which is the secret for the continuity of the initiative.”He said the government appreciated any community contribution in terms of ideas on how to use the fund.