Rwanda National Police (RNP) and insurance companies, under the umbrella of Rwanda Association of Insurers (ASSAR), have entered into partnership aimed at preventing road accidents and fire outbreaks. 

This is one of the resolutions agreed yesterday during a meeting held at the Rwanda National Police Headquarters in Kacyiru.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, emphasised the importance of partnerships in preventing reckless acts that lead to fatalities.

"We all have a duty to save lives,” Gasana said, adding, "Whatever kind of business someone is involved in, economic advancement at the expense of people’s lives would be catastrophic.”

The IGP underscored that a stronger partnership to sensitise road users on road safety standards and precautionary measures against fire outbreaks serves a mutual interest of the two entities to put safety of the people first.

Gaudens Kanamugire, the Chairman of Rwanda Association of Insurers (ASSAR), commended RNP’s continued efforts to make communities safe and secure.

"We can do more together; we believe that no single institution can achieve desired goals by working in isolation,” Kanamugire said.

"This is an opportune moment for us all to join hands to ensure that people are safe on roads and that their property is secure against fire.”

Last year alone, at least 733 road accidents were recorded and 2,577 properties were destroyed.

Over 250 fire incidents were recorded between January 2017 and September 2018, leading to ten fatalities.

The police and insurance companies are planning to launch a countrywide sensitisation campaign on road safety standards and measures to mitigate fire risks. They plan to roll it out next month.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw