EASTERN PROVINCE NGOMA — The Minister of Natural Resources Stanislas Kamanzi Thursday commissioned the first phase of the road along Lake Sake. Kamanzi who was representing Prime Minister Bernard Makuza at the function, called upon the residents to work hard and use the road to transport products which would help them eradicate poverty. The 21km road was constructed by demobilized soldiers and vulnerable residents of Sake sector. It was financed by a Germany cooperation agency through Community Based Reintegration (CBR), and the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) at a cost of about Frw188 million. The minister also officially launched the second phase of the road that is yet to be constructed along the same lake in Gafunzo cell, Sake sector-Ngoma district. Addressing hundreds of residents, Kamanzi said the Prime Minister was grateful to the sector and the district for what they had achieved. He called on residents to desist from the culture of waiting for aid but rather begin by helping themselves so that any help supplements their efforts. He further requested the district leadership to plan well for the lake and attract investors to the area. Among those present at the function were Jean Sayinzoga, the chairman of RDRC, and Senator Francois Nshunguyinka. About 75% of the money spent on the construction was paid to the 900 people who built the road, most of them former soldiers. It was built without using any machinery and took two years to complete. Ends