NORTHERN PROVINCe

GICUMBI—Genocide convicts sentenced to community work commonly referred to as TIG, have constructed over 100 hectares of terraces in Gicumbi District, officials have said.

Inspecting the activities last week, during communal work (umuganda), the Mayor Bonane Nyangezi commended their contribution and asked residents to emulate them.

He explained that terraces were vital to prevent soil erosion and increases agricultural production. He advised the genocide convicts to desist from genocide ideology upon completion of their sentence.

"The Genocide of 1994 taught Rwandans a big lesson and it should never happen again,” said Nyangezi.

A total of 485 convicts in the district are engaged in various activities including terrace construction, making of beehives, carpentry and construction of houses for vulnerable groups in Bukure Sector.

During communal work, district officials, RDF soldiers, Police and local residents joined the convicts in constructing terraces.

At least three hectares of terraces were constructed at Rwesero Cell high yield Agricultural demonstration site commonly referred to as "Indatwa hill”.

Speaking as chief guest during a bonding fete after communal work, the deputy executive secretary for the National committee of TIG, Anasthase Nabahire urged the convicts to work with dedication in order to rebuild Rwanda.

"Since Rwandans were responsible for destroying their own country during the 1994 genocide, they should be the ones to rebuild it” said Nabahire.

He advised them to apply terrace construction skills acquired while serving their sentences, to improve their economic status and develop their localities when they later complete their sentences. 

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