Governor warns against killing Girinka cows

NYABIHU-The Governor of the Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, has cautioned saboteurs killing cows given to the poor under one cow per family project (Girinka). He gave the warning Thursday during a ceremony in which the Global Fund awarded 24 cows to HIV patients through the environmental conservation association in Jenda sector, Nyabihu District

Saturday, June 25, 2011
One of the beneficiaries of the Girinka project Chantal Mukabaziga receives her cow Thursday. (Photo A. Ngarambe)

NYABIHU-The Governor of the Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, has cautioned saboteurs killing cows given to the poor under one cow per family project (Girinka).

He gave the warning Thursday during a ceremony in which the Global Fund awarded 24 cows to HIV patients through the environmental conservation association in Jenda sector, Nyabihu District

"People who kill these cows don’t do it for meat but with an intention of sabotaging government programs,” said Kabahizi.

The Governor said that it is a wide conspiracy that spreads negative propaganda even abroad.

"These elements do not want development but we shall not tolerate this and we are sending a strong warning to those thugs,” added the governor.

The Girinka project was initiated by President Paul Kagame to ensure that every family in Rwanda owns a cow.

"We hope that these cows will help improve the lives of the beneficiaries through providing them with milk and manure,” said Jean Fauste Gapira, the Executive Secretary of the association to conserve the environment.

Chantal Mukabaziga, a beneficiary was pleased to at last own a cow.

"I didn’t believe I would ever own a cow. That’s why I’m very pleased with the Girinka project.”

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