It is a tradition in Rwanda that every last Saturday of the month Rwandans at all levels join hands in community development activities, commonly known as Umuganda. For Kinyinya residents in Gasabo District, they spent the February Umuganda exercise (last Saturday) clearing the ground and laying the foundation for the construction of the area police station, in Bukinanyana Village of Nyagatovu Cell. Close to 2000 residents took part in the exercise and committed to complete the works before the end of the year. Although Kinyinya had a police station, residents say they need a new and modern facility that will accommodate and facilitate effective delivery of policing services. The vice mayor of Gasabo in charge of finance and economic development, Raymond Mberabahizi, lauded the residents for taking the initiative to construct a modern police station. The vice mayor also pledged to support their ideal project. He said that although the existing police station serves the community well, working in a conducive environment with all necessary facilities will improve the image and services to the community. The District Police Commander (DPC), Senior Superintendent of Police Valens Muhabwa, thanked the residents for the initiative and said that this shows the commitment of masses to their own security. He said that community policing and security manifests in many forms and at the household and community level. SSP Muhabwa urged them to share information on suspected criminals, including drug dealers, thieves as well as supporting and strengthening the concept of neighbourhood watch and night patrols. Residents of Kinyinya have followed in the footsteps of their neighbours of Gacuriro and Gisozi sectors (also in Gasabo) and others in other parts of the country, who have so far constructed or upgraded police stations to accommodate two separate detention facilities (for male and female suspects), offices, mess and residential homes for officers, among others. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
