Kagame joins Masaka residents in community work

President Paul Kagame has called upon Rwandans to work hard and transform their lives. The President made the call yesterday while addressing residents of Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District and civil servants from various government institutions who participated in the monthly community work, ‘Umuganda’ in Cyimo Cell.The President joined hundreds of residents in tree planting and digging water channels to control soil erosion. About 8,000 trees were planted. Kagame observed that the monthly community work has become a tradition, and there is no need of reminding Rwandans to participate in it.He told the gathering that nobody can force people to work hard, create jobs and provide food for themselves which he said is the only thing that defines them as human beings.He noted that people shouldn’t be reminded of maintaining a clean and a serene environment because it’s supposed to be part and parcel of their life.Kagame warned against the habit of street begging, like it was in other countries where people who are energetic and able to provide for themselves, resort to begging.Kagame said that people beg because they have failed to use their knowledge and capability to provide for themselves.The president emphasised that every Rwandan citizen needs, security, peace and development and it’s their right.He observed that nobody will come from outside and give Rwandans a better life and that there will be no miracle to improve their livelihood unless they work hard to realise their goals.He said that Rwandans have achieved a lot, but they still have a lot to do to achieve better things emphasising that Umuganda is one of the ways that helps Rwandans to consolidate what they have gained.The president asserted that Rwanda cannot be cowed at all by what outsiders say about it and urged Rwandans to be strong in order not to be shaken by the passing winds.He explained that nobody was immune to challenges in life; even people in developed countries are facing serious economic and financial challenges.The President noted that they impose their challenges caused by poor management and attitude to innocent aid recipient countries and create all sorts of excuses as a scapegoat not to give aid to developing countries.According to the Mayor of Kicukiro District, Paul Jules Ndamage, residents of Masaka sector have transformed their lives through agricultural activities.“We have a hospital, electricity and people no longer go to Kigali Teaching hospital (CHUK) and other hospitals for treatment. They seek medical care at Masaka hospital,” he said.