Kicukiro District has launched a security and hygiene campaign aimed at improving sanitation and safety standards in the district.

The campaign, to last until June next year, will be conducted in partnership with Rwanda National Police.

The campaign was launched on Tuesday at the closure of one-week-training on security and hygiene for over 1300 community night watchmen and hygiene community workers across the district.

The launch that took place at IPRC Kigali, was attended by local leaders and security officials in the district.

Speaking at the launch, Florence Uwayisaba, the district vice-mayor in charge of social affairs, noted underlined the importance of hygiene in national development.

"Every human being should strive to have security and hygiene. A healthy country is a wealthy one.

‘‘We move and work freely because of security and good health. If there is no hygiene, people are prone to diseases that can confine in hospitals.

‘‘The country, therefore, can not see any development in case there is no security, nor hygiene,” she said.

She explained that the trainees would promote personal hygiene and sanitation standards in homes.

"We expect them to make a significant contribution as they have acquired enough knowledge.

But the trainees cannot accomplish this on their own, they need close collaboration with local leaders and residents as well,” Uwayisaba said.

She added that their target is to make Kicukiro District exemplary in security and hygiene standards in the City of Kigali.

The District Police Commander, Superintendent Gerard Habiyambere, called on all residents to play a key role in maintaining security.

He also urged the trainees on patriotism, discipline and professionalism.

"Everyone should be involved in maintaining security. Police itself or night guards cannot carry out their work smoothly unless residents cooperated by sharing timely information to police. It is better if the residents alerteed security organs about security threats to ensure crime prevention,” he said.

"No one should threaten their neighbours’ security. Noise, especially during wedding, religious ceremonies among other,s should be regulated. Everyone should act as their neighbour’s watchman.”

Emmanuel Maniragena, one of the trained night guards, said they learnt how to work closely with residents.

We will contribute more to the fight against drug abuse in the community, Maniragena said.

David Minani, another trainee, said they would ensure proper waste management in homes.

Last year, Kicukiro District was ranked as the best in security and hygiene consistency in Kigali city.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw