Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana has urged residents in Ngoma District to protect public infrastructure, saying roads, water systems and electricity connections can only be sustainable if citizens develop a sense of ownership.

Habimana made the remarks during a two-day visit to Ngoma and Kirehe districts, saying infrastructure development has improved livelihoods and supported local economic growth.

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"The infrastructure provided for the citizens belongs to them. Those water pipes and electricity lines are theirs,” Habimana said.

"We ask residents to continue protecting them and not tolerate anyone who destroys public infrastructure because the resources invested by the government also come from citizens’ contributions.”

According to residents, the extension of road, water and electricity infrastructure has eased transportation, improved access to services and boosted farming activities that now generate steady incomes for many families.

"This area used to be covered by bushes,” said Alex Muzerwa, a farmer. "The authorities helped us cultivate the land and provided pineapple seedlings. We formed a cooperative as farmers, but it struggled until the government helped us operate professionally.”

Muzerwa said the cooperative now grows pineapples on 1,500 hectares and harvests between 200 and 300 tonnes each week.

"Our cooperative has developed because we expanded the farmland. Our members have built or renovated houses and some have bought motorcycles, which help us connect with Kibungo town,” he said.

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Ngoma District has expanded access to roads, water and electricity. Electricity reaches about 60 per cent of households, and water systems and public taps have improved access in most communities.

However, a 2025 survey by Rwanda Governance Board showed residents rated service delivery at 69.4%, below the national average of 76.7%, reflecting remaining infrastructure and service delivery gaps.

On service delivery, Minister Habimana emphasised that officials who provide poor services should be held accountable.

"Citizens should know that as leaders, we have a major responsibility to listen to them and provide good services on time, efficiently and properly,” he said.

"When they encounter a leader or any service provider who does not receive them well, they should not keep quiet about.”

Habimana also urged residents to enroll in community health insurance, known as Mutuelle de Santé, and contribute to the school feeding programme.