Northern Province GICUMBI — The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has committed itself to construct affordable residential houses in Gicumbi district. This was revealed on Friday during a one-day seminar to sensitize local leaders on various economic projects to be undertaken by NSSF in the Northern Province. Other activities to be undertaken include supporting local entrepreneurs engaged in income generating activities through joint partnerships. The seminar was held at Hotel Urumuli in Byumba town last Friday. Africa Lamba, the Director of investments in NSSF explained that they intend to expand their investments in the rural areas by working with the business people, local authorities, companies and government institutions to create a strong financial base in order to boost workers pensions. Oswald Munyandekwe, in charge of pensions, who represented the Director General at the function observed that NSSF has improved its services by computerizing all upcountry branches to enable retired civil servants receive their pensions without delay. All pensions are made through banks countrywide, he said. Speaking as the chief guest, governor Boniface Rucagu hailed NSSF for what he called ‘good vision to engage in development projects in the countryside’ and their effort in improving the social and economic welfare of retired civil servants. Yvonne Mujawabega in-charge of Legal Affairs at NSSF commended some neighboring countries such as Burundi for their cooperation in paying retired Rwandan civil servants who served in their countries. Also present was the district Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, NSSF Northern Province coordinator Joseph Ruzahaza, the chairperson of Gicumbi district advisory council Beatrice Nirere, Sector Executive secretaries and NSSF provincial branch managers among others. Ends