Foundation stone for ‘One Dollar’ complex to be laid in December

• Police boosts campaign with Rwf 12m KIGALI - The One Dollar Campaign is approaching realisation of its intended goal of constructing a complex that will serve as a home for orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to the Secretary General of the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN) Ismail Buchanan, the government is planning to lay the foundation stone that will kick off the construction works in December this year. Buchanan was speaking during a function held at the National Police headquarters, yesterday where the police contributed Rwf 12m to the noble cause. “If we put together all the money that has been collected, including the in-kind contributions, construction is ready to begin and we intend to lay the foundation stone in December during the National Diaspora Convention period,” Buchanan said. The idea of collecting funds that will facilitate the construction of a multi-million complex for the homeless orphans was mooted in last year’s Diaspora Convention. Every year Rwanda holds this convention that brings together Rwandans living in the Diaspora to discuss a cross section of issues related to national development. He noted; “they (Diaspora) initiated this campaign, so they should be here to witness the realization of the project.”According to him, close to Rwf 400 million still lies in pledges but he is optimistic that the pledges will be honored in time. Some of the prominent companies that have not honored their pledges include MTN Rwandacell, Rwandatel and Sulfo Industries among others. During the same function, the Acting Commissioner General of Police, Mary Gahonzire said that the police are privileged to be part of the campaign. “Every employee of the National Police voluntarily contributed to the cause, this is how we came up with the Rwf 12m,” said Gahonzire. She however hastened to add that the police’s contribution to the cause will continue even during the construction period of the project. “We have a construction unit within the police that has highly qualified engineers. They will take a direct role in the construction of the children’s homes at not cost,” the police boss added. Meanwhile, the Director of Rwanda Diaspora Directorate, Robert Masozera, said that the contribution from the National Police shows the commitment of the police to the people they protect. “This is an act of love; I assure you that your contribution will be properly managed to ensure that funds serve this intended cause,” said Masozera. The campaign that has lasted for five months has so far collected about Rwf 1billion against a set target of Rwf 1.5billion intended for the construction of the complex that is set to be put up in Kagugu, Gasabo district. Seven blocks will be constructed to accommodate about 600 orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Apparently, the campaign officials are searching for a reputable project coordinator to implement the proposed plan of the houses. Ends