RULINDO- The head of the visiting UN delegation as pledged the body’s continuous support to Rwanda’s health, education, agriculture and livestock initiatives. Ambassador Abderrahim Ould Hadrami, made the pledge Thursday during a field visit to Rulindo District. “The UN is committed to working closely with the Rwandan government to increase agriculture and livestock farming production to guarantee food security for all, in addition to supporting health care and education countrywide,” he said. Hadrami hailed the district and UN agencies engaged in development projects in the area for their effort in eradicating soil erosion through the construction of terraces in Rukozo and Cyungo Sectors. “I highly commend the district authorities and UN agencies who tirelessly worked in partnership to eradicate soil erosion in this area to will increase agriculture production,” Hadrami said. The district Mayor, Justus Kangwaje, attributed the major development projects in the district to support by UN agencies. “UNDP, WFP and FAO greatly contributed by providing fertilisers and high yield potato and wheat seeds which have increased food production in Rukozo and Cyungo sectors,” Kangwaje said. He added that residents of the sectors are now able to produce a minimum of 30 tonnes of potatoes per hectare, unlike in the past when they could only raise 10 tonnes. “This has enabled residents raise their income, thereby enabling them pay school fees for their children and join health insurance schemes in large numbers.” Kangwaje also hailed UNICEF for their contribution towards promoting education in the district. In a separate interview with The New Times, WFP Country Director, Abdoulaye Balde, pledged to increase support towards agriculture activities in the district. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to eradicate malnutrition in children, by increasing agricultural production,” Balde said. The delegation toured a community kraal commonly referred to as ‘Igikumba’ in Cyungo, where residents’ cattle produce manure to fertilize their gardens. They also paid a visit to Stella Matutina High School’s Biogas production projects in Shyorongi Sector. The project is jointly funded by the UNDP in partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The National UNDP small Grant Program coordinator, Laure Kananura, said Biogas production at the school is part of efforts to protect the environment. “Bio gas is used for cooking students’ food, thereby reducing the rate of felling trees for firewood,” said Kananura. Ends
