KIGALI - VULNERABLE ex-combatants with disabilities in the estate of Rugende, Rusororo Sector Gasabo District yesterday saw their houses installed with piped water and electricity. The initiative was initiated and championed by the National Women’s Council( NWC), Zigama Credit and Savings Society (Zigama -CSS) a military savings scheme, and the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC). “This is a great initiative for the ex-combatants to access piped water and electricity,” Gen. James Kabarebe the Minister of Defence, said while officiating at the ceremony. He added that the disabled ex-combatants deserved the facilities because they sacrificed themselves to liberate the country. “Our council sat down and came up with the idea of helping the ex-combatants,” Dr. Diane Gashumba the President of NWC revealed. She added that the disabled ex-combatants have been suffering to get water. “They either fetched water from an open well or waited for rain to fall.” Dr. Gashumba hailed the Ministry of Defence, RDRC, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Zigama CSS for supporting them to accomplish the mission. Brigadier General Geoffrey Byegeka, the Director General of Zigama-CSS, said that helping the ex-combatants is of great importance because they fought for peace so they deserve to enjoy what they fought for. He added that Zigama CSS will continue supporting the initiative that is geared towards helping the disabled ex-combatants. Joseph Sabena, one of the disabled ex-combatants and their chairman, welcomed the donation. “We are very happy and privileged to access piped water and electricity in our houses, this has partly solved our problems,” he said. The installation of the piped water and electricity cost about Rw20million. In a related development, the NWC also donated a kiosk worth Rw5 million to the ex-combatants. The kiosk which is located at Rugende estate will serve residents with basic merchandise. Vegetable gardens were cultivated in the ex-combatants estate in order to provide them with fresh green vegetables. Ends
