President Paul Kagame yesterday urged residents of Gatsibo District to explore all avenues to lead better lives.
He made the remarks while visiting the district.
The President noted that the progress the country has registered was visible and is proof that a lot more can be achieved.
President Kagame emphasised the importance and benefits of working under cooperatives, saying that with a collective approach, a lot more can be accomplished.
He pledged continued government support to help cooperatives work better and more efficiently.
Located in the Eastern province, Gatsibo district has immense potential to prosper in agriculture production and livestock farming. The President urged the residents to exploit the available opportunities and called on the private sector to be more involved in the district’s development initiatives.
“We cannot live on aid indefinitely, if we have to, it should only help us to build a future where we will no longer depend on anyone for assistance. Those who help us today worked hard to obtain the resources they have. We too should find means of acquiring our own wealth,” the President said.
President Kagame added that with the right mentality and attitude towards work, anyone can achieve what they aspire. He noted that as the President, he is charged with ensuring that citizens have the tools and guidance they need to prosper. And, with close partnership of the people, the government and the private sector, a lot can be achieved. He emphasised that Government alone cannot entirely provide what people need, hence the need for partnership.
Earlier, the President visited Augustin Rukundo, a farmer who has earned a fortune from his banana plantation.
Rukundo started banana farming in 2007 after he imported 32 seedlings from Uganda. To date, he has nine hectares and earns annual net profit of Rwf 12 million from his business.
President Kagame also visited the newly constructed Ndatemwa Rice Processing factory which he had previously pledged to the district.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya, said the factory, that has the capacity to process 2.5tonnes of rice per hour, will be of great benefit to the community.
“Rice suppliers have been walking long distances to collection centres, but with the new factory, they will spend less time on the road. The factory will process rice from Rwagitima, Ntende and Ndatemwa swamps,” Uwamariya said.
All districts in the Eastern Province, apart from Kayonza, have at least one factory and according to the Governor, plans are underway to set up a factory in the district.
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