Shops,
markets places, Bar and restaurants are closed, except Radios, TV, hospitals
working. Streets are empty from 7.00AM to 11.00PM, and it is hardly to find any
vehicles, motorists moving because it is Umuganda day.
Umuganda is always held on the last Saturday of the month. On this
28th/Oct/2017, main Task were to plant trees, they are planted in
some parts of the country, the action held at Nyagatare District. Like in some
communities come together, In Kicukiro district, Gatenga sector
community carried various tools, the task to perform was the to repair road across
from Gatenga to Kicukiro which was damaged by rain fall down on two days ago.
Executive
secretary of cell, explains the reason why they have proposed to repair the
road, after taking a look on how can increases the risk “the Umuganda originates from Kinyarwanda word meaning woods used
to construct traditional house, so, community would call upon their family,
friends and neighbors to help them complete a difficult task, using their
shared hands” Nathalie recalls.
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Figure 1 Nathalie
Kamagaju speaking to community near Gatenga sector
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At
Umuganda, the work done differs from one area to another! In towns, people
participate in cleaning streets, cutting grass and trimming bushes along roads,
or repairing public facilities! Whereas In villages, people repair the roads which
may was damaged by heavy rain, it depends most ones build houses for vulnerable
persons or cleaning wells. All these activities done are
playing a big role in the development of the country In addition, Rwanda
is known as the best and cleanest country with clean roads, no plastic bottles
and bags as well as garbage and litter. Therefore, this cleanliness of Rwanda
cannot be found anywhere if compared to other countries. This has been achieved
because of the “Umuganda”! After working together, the local leaders for
promote participation and evaluate and report if the task is perfectly done and
more so motivating people to keep the spirit up in addition, deal on next government
policies, needs to be established.
Therefore, Umuganda has
done great in promoting development and harmony in Rwanda. Citizens and
outsiders are encouraged to participate in these activities. Besides some
people took this community work as wastage of time but due to its significant
achievements today, they are committed to work at I can advise people came to
like and participate in it voluntarily by empowering youth initiative who can
perform hard task than old man and women even disabled ones. “Together we can”