Rwanda’s liberation is celebrated every year on 4th July. It reflects transformations shaping the future of the country driven by the unity and development of all Rwandans.

The inauguration ceremony held on Sunday was attended by various officials including the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi and Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira among others.

Located in 12 kilometers away from Musanze town, Kinigi Model Village was constructed by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

It is made of six three-storey blocks with 24 homes each. A home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room, with ready furniture, beds, mattresses and a television set.

The model village also has poultry houses for 8000 chickens and sheds for other livestock, nursery school, health post, business center workshop, playgrounds and kitchen gardens among others.

Construction activities were completed at a cost of Rwf 26, 611, 466, 699 of which Rwf8, 047,653,297 was allocated for construction of homes, Rwf1, 589, 619, 026 for health center while Rwf3,350, 166, 058 was utilized to build a school and Early Childhood Development Center at the village.

Among others; Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 was utilized to buy 102 cows and 8000 chickens for resettled residents; business center workshop, garden preparation and planting fruit trees cost Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 while the remaining activities including tarmac road, electricity installation and expropriation took Rwf11 billion.

Speaking to IGIHE, beneficiaries expressed delight for the support turning them into smart residents with access to basic infrastructures.

“We have left poverty behind for good. The Government of unity overseeing citizens’ interests has relocated us from risky zones that we are optimistic for better life. I am now living in a beautiful house I had never expected to own. Being among beneficiaries of these homes is a testament that President of the Republic takes care and understands our needs along the development journey. I am grateful for the decent home where I will enjoy comfort during my advanced ages,” said Assiel Ndayambaje.

Other beneficiaries who spoke to the media as the relocation exercise began few days before Rwanda’s Liberation Day also voiced appreciation to the Government for inclusive development policies.

“I am very excited to receive the new home equipped with all basic equipment. It has furniture, smart television, cooking gas among others. Our special thanks go to President Paul Kagame who oversees for us and relentlessly promotes our wellbeing,” said Ismael Izabiriza.

Another beneficiary, Fidèle Ntirenganya, 72, has revealed that residents resisted the relocation but were gradually convinced and changed mindsets.

“At the beginning, local leaders convened a meeting to communicate the resettlement which we resisted. We were against the decision to relocate us until we toured these homes and changed mindsets due to their magnificence. It is a great pleasure that I am among lucky residents that have received homes at the model village,” he said.

The Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi has revealed that residents expressed delight for resettlement in the new village with aspirations for prosperous future.

As he explained, beneficiaries are from different categories including vulnerable residents who did not have own homes and other who previously lived in dilapidated structures.

“They are resettled to lead decent life in a smart village with all basic services. I would like to extend sentiments of gratitude to President of the Republic for setting framework for such activities. He visited the area, identified areas of improvements and called for action. This is the true liberation,” he noted.

In a televised video message on Sunday to mark the 27th Liberation Day, President Paul Kagame said that Kinigi model village is among projects evidencing Rwandans’ solidarity.

“The Kinigi Model Village being launched today, and other community projects that our armed forces have delivered, in partnership with other institutions, is a demonstration of our Rwandan solidarity, and we have made it a habit,” he noted.

A total of 2,580 projects are to be inaugurated in context of celebration of the 27th Liberation anniversary. These include schools, over 22,000 classrooms, roads, over 110 storage facilities for agricultural produce, distributing water and electricity across the country.

Another model village was inaugurated last year in Tabagwe sector, Nyagatare district as Rwanda marked the 26th Liberation Day.

A total of 82 model villages have been constructed since Rwanda began the program to relocate residents from informal settlements in 2016.

Some of these model villages including Rweru, Kazirankara-Nyundo, Horezo-Kanyenyeri, Karama and Gishuro were officially inaugurated by President Paul Kagame.