The engineering unit of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) in collaboration of Agro-action Allemande, a German NGO, have embarked on clearing Mwogo marshland in the Southern Province for a rice field.

At the launch of the project’s first phase the Southern Province, Governor Fidel Ndayisaba lauded the RDF forces for their unwavering contribution towards national development while maintaining the country’s security.

"I strongly urge the population living around Mwogo to make good use of the marshland as it will help you eradicate poverty and in the process contribute to national development,” said Ndayisaba.

The German NGO that is mainly dedicated to develop the agricultural sector has according to officials, also contributed to clearing similar marshlands including Base in Ruhango District and Rugeramigozi in Muhanga district both in the Southern Province.

Mwogo has 500 hectares and some of the activities carried out by both the NGO and the RDF included water filtering and digging water canals stretching for 11km’s.

Huye district officials say Mwogo marshland will be used by 3,000 residents to grow rice.

According to Agro-Action Allemande engineers, the marshland can yield up to 2,000 tonnes of rice in one season if maximally exploited, while the annual harvest would be 4,000 tonnes.

Speaking to The New Times, the director of German NGO, Dr. Fred Goericke, the services from the Rwanda defence forces in the project included aerial photography, measurement and scouting of the marshland. He revealed that activities to clear Mwogo will cost EUR 2.5 million in the first phase.

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