250 inmates at Ruhengeri Central Prison, participating in the ongoing activities of the Prisons Week, are set to construct eight classrooms for the 9-Year Basic Education (9-YBE) in Susa cell, and 13 km road network leading to Mukungwa Hydro power plant in Musanze District.

Speaking to The New Times, Gahima Rusa, the Director of Ruhengeri Central Prison, said the inmates have shown desire, and willingness to contribute to national development.

”We selected those with expertise in construction, and those who are willing to do community work. We work with local authorities to provide the required materials, to speed up the completion of these activities,’’ Rusa said.

The National Prisons Service introduced the Prisons Week as way of rehabilitating inmates, fostering unity and reconciliation and contributing to national development.

‘’I have 30 years experience in construction; this is an opportunity for us to use our labour for national development. Sedentary life has made my legs swell, and made me grow older,’’ said an inmate, Deogratius Iyamuremye, a.k.a Malawi.

The inmates appealed to the government to create more opportunities for them through which they can work and earn money to support their families.

‘’We have the skills, we need to work, those who qualify to get out of prison would need to participate in such activities,” Iyamuremye said.

Musanze Mayor, Winifrida Mpembyemungu, said the activities carried out during Prisons Week would boost the district’s development and reintroduce inmates to work.

"Prisons Week has set a good example, which should be emulated by all residents. Their programmes are part of the district’s strategy to maintain hygiene, green cover and beautification of our urban areas,” she said.

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