GICUMBI - There was joy among the residents of Cyumba Sector in Gicumbi District as 48 residents were offered heifers.The animals were donated by earlier beneficiaries of the government’s cattle stocking programme popularly known as ‘Girinka.’

According to local leaders in the area, over 1,600 families have, so far, benefitted from the programme.

"I now earn over Rwf200,000 a month from the cow I was given by our President Paul Kagame,” said a jubilant Olivier Harebamungu, who received his cow two years ago.

Local officials said the programme will benefit over 2,000 more families in the sector.

The new beneficiaries said they could not wait to enjoy the benefits of the programme.

"We have noticed improved standards of living for people who received cows earlier.It confirms how much I am also going to improve economically and healthwise,” observed one of the new beneficiaries.
 
Mayor Bonane Nyangezi commended the residents for taking care of their cows as their offspring looked healthy.

He urged residents to use the available opportunities set by the government to build their wealth.

"With this cow, you can be a very vibrant farmer by using all benefits that come along with it like manure, which can improve your farming,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, the event also saw the commissioning of Umurenge SACCO in the sector, which has a membership of over 1,500 members and savings worth Rwf5 million.

According to the SACCO management, over Rwf300 million has been given out as loans.

Ends