Rwanda PM Joins Community to Fix Road Amid Drought

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva didn't just promise help to drought-stricken farmers in Kayonza District. He grabbed tools and joined them for Umuganda, Rwanda's monthly community work day, to fix the problem himself.

On January 31, hundreds of residents and the Prime Minister worked side by side to rehabilitate the 19-kilometer Kahi-Giperefe road. The road connects the Gahini and Mwiri sectors, serving as a lifeline for local farmers trying to get their products to market.

The road's poor condition had become a serious problem for dairy farmers in the area. Theoneste Rucamihigo, a local farmer, explained that deteriorating roads often delayed milk deliveries, affecting both income and product quality.

The stakes are high for this community. The Kahi area produces more than 45,000 liters of milk daily for the Kahi Milk Collection Centre, but bumpy, damaged roads were disrupting transportation and spoiling the milk before it could reach buyers.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the toll that drought has taken on families in the district. He promised that government support would continue to help residents recover and rebuild their livelihoods.

But Nsengiyumva also made it clear that local leaders must step up. He challenged the mayor and governor to prioritize drought-affected residents, setting a one-year deadline to show measurable improvements in people's lives.

The Ripple Effect

This story goes beyond one road repair project. By working alongside residents, the Prime Minister demonstrated a citizen-centered approach to governance that empowers communities rather than just delivering aid from above.

The rehabilitated road will strengthen farmers' access to markets, protecting their milk quality and income. That means more stable livelihoods for dairy farmers and more reliable food supplies for the region.

The Prime Minister urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure, recognizing that lasting change comes from communities invested in their own development. His hands-on approach sends a powerful message about shared responsibility and collaborative problem-solving.

In a region facing climate challenges, this partnership between government and citizens offers a model for building resilience together.