Nyagatare District stands out with its vast and fertile landscapes, boasting larger villages and cells compared to others across the country. A short drive from Nyagatare town leads to Karangazi Sector, Ndama Cell, the home of Rwabiharamba Model Village, where 120 families relocated from Akayange village to pave the way for modern agriculture and animal husbandry.

The ambitious ’Gabiro Agribusiness Hub’ project, spanning 16,000 hectares in Karangazi and Rwimiyaga sectors, aims to transform the lives of those residing in Akayange and Shimwa Paul villages. With 120 houses in Akayange and 72 in Shimwa Paul, this initiative embodies a modern approach, providing families with four-in-one structures. Each household receives a three-room house with a sitting room, inclusive of a bathroom and toilet, an outdoor kitchen, as well as access to water and electricity.

Strategically located near essential infrastructure like schools and clinics, these villages bring a sense of fulfillment to the residents. Furaha Godfrey, the head of a family with nine children, expresses gratitude for the transformative change, emphasizing the previous challenges of inadequate water, distant schools, and an overall lack of development prospects. Furaha praises the government for bringing relief and ensuring their safety, especially during inclement weather.

Similarly, Jane Mbabazi highlights the significant shift from relying on dam water, sometimes clean and sometimes muddy, to having clean water at their doorstep. She acknowledges the positive impact on education, health, and overall progress, attributing it to the vision of President Paul Kagame.

Didace Bataringaya, a resident of Akayange Model Village, recounts the stark contrast of their previous life, marked by poor conditions and a lack of basic infrastructure. The moment he received the keys to his new house, Bataringaya couldn’t believe the reality of the situation. His joy is palpable as he describes sleeping on the floor of his new home, a stark departure from the challenges they faced before.

Mayor Stephen Gasana emphasizes the significance of relocating families for the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub project, which not only aims for agricultural development but also ensures decent living conditions for the relocated families. Gasana encourages residents to capitalize on the available infrastructure and opportunities for a better life.

Leopold Uwimana, Head of Department for Social and Affordable Housing Development at Rwanda Housing Authority, underscores the importance of the model villages in providing decent shelters and fostering agricultural development. He stresses the need for responsible land use to prevent encroachment on areas designated for other vital activities.

Rwanda Housing Authority urges village residents to cherish and maintain their homes and infrastructure. A total of 253 villages, accommodating over 30,000 families, have been built, with plans for 3,000 rural villages nationwide, each offering prepared sites for comfortable living. The success stories from Rwabiharamba, Akayange, and Shimwa Paul serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the transformative power of integrated development model villages in shaping brighter futures for their residents.

The villages they relocated to have all the basic necessities and are close to schools and health centers.

Mbabazi Jane is happy that she now has clean water at her home.

Akayange village is home to residents moved from areas designated for modern agricuture.

Furaha Godfrey from Rwabiharamba village said that had lacked access to clean water.

The land they moved from is now being used for modern agriculture.

They were provided with large water reservoirs, so they no longer have to travel long distances to fetch dirty water.