Gicumbi:They commit to environmental protection and inaugurate self-built village Office and Health Post
Residents of Rugandu Village, Nyarutarama Cell, in Byumba Sector have emphasized that environmental conservation is a key priority in their development plans. Their goal is to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall, which often leads to soil erosion.
As part of their commitment, they have pledged to install rainwater harvesting tanks, plant trees to improve air quality, and build anti-erosion trenches to prevent land degradation. These initiatives have been incorporated into their annual performance targets.
The residents reaffirmed this commitment on February 1, 2025, during the official inauguration of their new village office, named “Ubutwari” (Bravery), which coincided with National Heroes’ Day.
The office was constructed through community-led efforts, including voluntary labor (Umuganda) and financial contributions from those who could afford it. This initiative aims to enhance service delivery by eliminating the need to visit local leaders’ homes for administrative services and documentation.
In addition to the village office, the community also built a small health post with support from the Ubudehe social development program. This facility is expected to improve healthcare access for residents.
The development of these infrastructures resulted from a series of community dialogues centered on self-reliance and nation-building. The residents acknowledged that their progress is inspired by the country’s heroes who fought for liberation and continue to drive its development.
Residents Call for Further Action on Environmental Protection
Speaking to Green Africa, some residents stressed the need for sustained efforts in environmental conservation, particularly in response to climate change.
Ndayambaje Alex stated:
“We are proud of building our own village office, achieved through our collective efforts and voluntary labor. Now, our focus should be on maintaining these infrastructures and addressing climate change by capturing rainwater, planting more trees, and digging anti-erosion trenches where necessary.”
Kanyange Emelita added:
“It’s a great achievement to have our own village office and health post, where we will access various services. However, we need our leaders to help us get electricity, as the buildings currently have no power. We also lack access to clean water, which is crucial for our development.”
Local Leaders Pledge Support
The Executive Secretary of Byumba Sector, Ngezahuhuremyi Theoneste, commended the residents for their proactive role in local development, emphasizing that their efforts contribute significantly to achieving national goals.
“We appreciate the residents’ initiative in constructing the Rugandu Village office and health post with their own resources and Ubudehe support. It is essential that they take good care of these infrastructures.”
He further urged the community to embrace innovation through the Duhurire mu Isibo program, which fosters collaboration and rapid development at the village level.
In response to concerns about the lack of electricity and water, Ngezahuhuremyi assured the residents that advocacy efforts would be made to address these pressing needs.
Maniraguha Samuson, Chairperson of the Nyarutarama Cell Advisory Council, highlighted that the self-built office eliminates the need for outdoor meetings, which were often disrupted by rain. It also ensures that village leaders can operate independently without requiring people to visit their private homes for administrative matters.
However, the residents of Rugandu Village remain concerned about several challenges, including the absence of electricity and clean water, as well as the need for a bridge connecting them to Yaramba in Nyankenke Sector. The bridge is vital for schoolchildren and traders who frequently commute between the two areas.