THE AGACIRO DEVELOPMENT Fund on Wednesday received a Rwf105 million boost from insurance firms Sonarwa and Corar.
THE AGACIRO DEVELOPMENT Fund on Wednesday received a Rwf105 million boost from insurance firms Sonarwa and Corar. Sonarwa contributed Rwf70 million while Corar chipped in with Rwf35 million. The contributions were handed over to Finance and Economic Planning minister, Amb. Claver Gatete during separate functions in Kigali. Dr James Ndahiro, the chairperson the board of directors of Sonarwa, who handed over the cheque to Amb. Gatete, said his firm has a lot to benefit from the Fund. "The management and staff of Sonarwa felt that as Rwandans and as a company that is operating in Rwanda, we can’t be left behind in development programmes or when Rwandans are mobilising themselves to build their nation. We feel we are part of it and that its part of our responsibility as an insurance company to protect Rwandans from risks and be part of the country’s development,” Dr. Ndahiro said. "We commit to continue contributing to Agaciro Development Fund even in future.” Noble cause Corar’s contribution, according to the firm’s managing director, Joseph Bahenda, was gathered from both the company and its staff."As an insurance company, it’s our duty to support the projects that intend to improve the welfare of Rwandans. We collected this money in line with that responsibility,” Bahenda said.Amb. Gatete thanked both firms and reiterated that a mechanism is in place on how to use the funds, and that its aimed at developing the country’s citizenry so future generations inherit a prosperous country."Whatever the country has achieved never happened accidentally. We worked and earned it,” he said, adding that the donation should not simply be viewed in monetary terms. "Its value and intent towards matters developmental is equally important,” Amb. Gatete said.The sovereign wealth fund was launched last year and multitudes of Rwandans and friends, from within and outside the country have supported it. Most recent figures indicate that more than Rwf26 billion has been realised in cash and pledges.