Private sector mourns tycoon Makuza

CITY TYCOON Bertin Makuza succumbed to a liver disease Wedneday, his family announced yesterday. A family radio announcement described Makuza’s death at King Faisal Hospital Kigali, as untimely. He was 73. The late is survived by a wife and six children. The date for the funeral ceremony was yet to be announced by press time. However, when The New Times visited the family home in Kicukiro District, yesterday, the mood was sombre as relatives erected a tent ahead of the funeral. Wednesday started as a normal day; Makuza woke up in the morning as usual and went to work but later started to feel unwell and was taken to King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, according to Claude Makuza, one of the deceased’s children. Claude said his father had suffered from a liver disease for quite long and he succumbed to it, citing a postmortem report. “He has been suffering from liver until yesterday (Tuesday) when it became severe. He was rushed to hospital, he had internal bleeding and vomiting.Unfortunately, the doctors couldn’t save his life,” the third born said. Members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) paid tribute to Makuza, saying the sector lost “a very important man” with huge contribution to its growth. Benjamin Gasamagera, PSF chairperson, described Makuza as a wise man who loved the country and contributed greatly towards the country’s development. “We were shocked, it is like thunder, he was an experienced man who is among the founders of PSF as an institution and was a professional,” he said, while condoling with the deceased’s family. “His death is untimely and shocking, he woke up yesterday normally and went to work as usual before he was pronounced dead,” he added. The passing on of the businessman also shocked many Rwandans, including officials who described him as a hardworking man who died too soon. “Makuza leaves us early, he has been a hard worker, an inspiring man, humble with simplicity, big achievement,” said MP JMV Gatabazi on his Twitter handle. Makuza is the owner of Rwanda Foam Ltd, manufacturers of mattresses and other bedding materials. He is also the owner of Makuza Peace Plaza, a new landmark building in downtown Kigali, built at a tune of $42 million (about Rwf30 billion). editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Private sector mourns tycoon Makuza