Ex-combatants benefit from RDRC project

WESTERN PROVINCE KARONGI - Several war veterans with physical disabilities from the sectors Rubengera and Bwishyura in Karongi, Friday benefited from a Rwf 70m Rwanda Demobilisation and Re-Integration Commission (RDRC) grant. The six former servicemen each received a house constructed under the ‘special’ category programme. Two houses under the programme which caters for people with disabilities cost a cool Rwf 13 million each while others were built under the ‘standard’ category each costing Rwf11 million. Speaking at the handover, the chairman of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Re-Integration Commission, Jean Sayinzoga, said that one of the Rwandan values is protecting the lives of war veterans. “This ceremony expresses the country’s commitment to protect the lives of those who sacrificed a lot to fight for it. These houses we are launching today are among their rewards,” he told Kibirira Cell residents who had gathered for the colourful ceremony. He reminded them that the government of national unity, regardless of which regime one fought for, rewards ex- combatants who fought for the sovereignty of the country. Sayinzoga added that currently, the commission rewards those who were seriously impaired during battles. ‘The commission rewards those who are between 90 and 100 percent impaired, by building them houses and providing other packages,’ he said. One of the beneficiaries, Jean de Dieu Ngendahimana, thanked the commission and the government for making them fit in the society. ‘I don’t know how to express my excitement… but I thank the government of Rwanda, especially the President, who spend sleepless nights to make us fit in society,’ he said. Ngendahimana said that initially they (ex-combatants) thought it was the end of the road to their lives, but unpredictably, the government proved that it is possible for them to live as contributors in society. The District Mayor, Bernard Kayumba, assured them that the district is going to find ways of bringing water taps close to their homes. During the ceremony, some local leaders in Kamembe sector in Rusizi district were blamed for having watched on as houses of ex-combatants were demolished. Ends