RPF to construct $10m HQs

THE Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), President Paul Kagame, yesterday, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the party’s headquarters at Nyagahinga, Rusororo Sector in Gasabo District.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Crowd cheering following the launch of the construction of the upcoming RPF Headquarters by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame. The New Times/Village Urugwiro.

THE Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), President Paul Kagame, yesterday, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the party’s headquarters at Nyagahinga, Rusororo Sector in Gasabo District. Construction of the two-storeyed complex is expected to take two years and will cost $10 million (approximately Rwf6.5 billion). The civil works at the site have already kicked off.Addressing RPF supporters and the residents of Rusororo, who turned up to witness the event, Kagame said all Rwandans will have access to the facility."All Rwandans are welcome but they will pay some fee because it’s going to be a state-of-the-art facility, complete with ICT and other services,” Kagame said.The event was part of the activities in line with the RPF’s Silver Jubilee celebrations due tomorrow in Kigali. "RPF headquarters will be an expression of rebirth of Rwanda development and democracy,” Kagame.The Head of State noted that the party would have built its head offices earlier but that priority had to be given to the country’s pressing needs."Doors will always be open to all the people who want to use some of the services that will be provided here. The place will not be expensive despite being special, it will be affordable but with great results,” Kagame added."I hope you will be part of the activities that will take place here,” the President told the crowd.Kagame said that RPF should be self-reliant to enable all Rwandans to become self-sufficient in the near future."RPF has been in existence for 25 years but it’s like the party is over 70 years old due to what it has passed through. RPF is getting old but it does not mean the party is getting weak and senile, the more it gets old, the more it becomes new, strong and better,” he said."I am confident the RPF is going to be stronger in the next 25 years and the energy will come from our supporters who see immense value of this party”.He hailed the party supporters who have made RPF what it is today and reminded them to continue building the country since nobody will come from outside and build Rwanda."Even if somebody sympathises with us and comes to build our country, I will say no thank you because that person will be looking for something big in return. That mercy comes with troubles,” Kagame noted.The President added, "We are capable of building our country, nothing is lacking and we are confident we will accomplish even more in the future”.He called on the RPF supporters to ensure that the construction project is completed on time.The Head of State was accompanied by the First Lady Jeannette Kagame, RPF Vice Chairman Christophe Bazivamo, Secretary General Francois Ngarambe, senior government officials, among others.The building will have a political school, a 1500-seater conference hall, accommodation facilities, a restaurant, among other services.Construction will be undertaken by Real Contractors. Currently, RPF has its head offices in Kimihurura, Gasabo District.