KIGALI - Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) on Friday handed over 30 motorcycles and 416 cell phone sets to Rwanda National Police to help them in their environmental protection activities.

The donation worth Rwf 105m was handed over to Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, by the Minister of Environment and Lands, Stanislas Kamanzi, in a function held at Police headquarters, Kacyiru.

The motorcycles will be used by District Liaison Officers (DLO), in all the 30 districts in the country while phones will be given to police officers in all the 416 sectors in the country.

Kamanzi who observed that Rwanda is a step ahead of other countries in protecting the environment said: "There is need to continue on the course and ensure maximum protection to the environment.”

He urged the national police to use the equipment to put an end to environmental degradation in the country.

"There is need to tighten the operation in protecting the environment and completely get rid of polythene bags and plastic materials in Rwanda,” Kamanzi said

Dr Rose Mukankomeje, REMA Director General, said that the motorcycles and phones were donated to ease transport means and communication in protecting the environment across the country.

"We can not request you to help us protect the environment when you have no means,” Mukankomeje said.  "The ball is now in our court since we have the necessary equipment,” Gasana said.

The donation comes in time for preparations to mark the ‘International Environmental Day’ slated for May 5, to be held in Rwanda, and when  the national police are about to begin a  week of protecting the environment that starts tomorrow.

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