Prisons join Zigama-CSS

Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) has been enlisted as a member of Zigama Credit and Savings Society (CSS), a military and police savings cooperative. This was announced, yesterday, by the Board Chairman of CSS, Dr James Ndahiro, during the institution’s general assembly at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Kimihurura. In an interview, Ndahiro told The New Times the RCS was approved as member of CSS after it requested for admission to the savings co-op. “Our members have been from the defence ministry and the National Police; having RCS as part of our family enables the institution to be more vibrant economically and as well as improve the lives of its clients ,” he said. According to Ndahiro, CSS last year posted a profit of about Rwf 3.4 billion. Other achievements in the past year include a building they acquired for Rwf 6.9 billion which will soon be their headquarters. It was agreed in the meeting that CSS adheres to the capital requirements of the central bank (BNR) which will enable CSS to operate in a more transparent and accountable manner. The meeting also discussed various issues concerning construction of affordable houses for Military and Police personnel. Speaking to The New Times yesterday in a phone interview, Mary Gahonzire, the Deputy Commissioner General of RCS, said her institution applied to join CSS early this year. “I am excited on behalf of RCS that CSS has approved our request to become members because our staff are going to access loans and this is also an opportunity to join other sister forces since unity is strength” Gahonzire said. CSS was founded in August 1997 and officially inaugurated in March 1999 initially with one branch. Today, it boasts of 16 outlets. Zigama-CSS has a membership of over 72,000 and 148 employees, according to Ndahiro. Ends