For years, residents of Nyarubuye and neighbouring sectors — Nasho, Mpanga, Nyamugali, Mushikiri, and Mahama have travelled more than 20 kilometres to Kirehe District Hospital for specialised care. The long, costly journeys often forced patients to abandon treatment or endure preventable complications. “Some patients were referred to Kirehe Hospital but couldn’t afford the transport fare — about Rwf 7,000 for a round trip,” said Laurent Mwumvirimana, a community health worker in Mareba Cell. ALSO READ: Govt allocates Rwf 9bn to address ravine erosion near refugee camps “Many gave up on treatment altogether. Having a medicalised centre here will make a huge difference.” For Virginie Mukamudaheranwa, a mother of three from Nyarutunga Cell, the upgrade of the Nyarubuye Health Centre is more than an infrastructure project, it’s a lifeline. “The road to Kirehe Hospital is long and rough,” she said. “When labour starts, it becomes a race against time. Some women deliver on the way or face complications. This new centre will save lives.” That long-standing challenge is now being addressed. On November 5, the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), in partnership with the Government of Denmark and the World Bank, launched the upgrade of the Nyarubuye Health Centre into a modern, medicalised facility. ALSO READ: Gisagara: Refugee students inspire local dropouts to return to school The Rwf 6 billion project will turn the centre into a fully equipped healthcare hub with surgical theatres, maternity and neonatal wards, laboratories, and 111 beds — bringing vital services closer to more than 35,000 residents and refugees across six sectors. Retired Maj. Gen. Albert Murasira, Minister of Emergency Management, said the project reflects Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive development. “Upgrading this facility brings essential services closer to residents and refugees,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that no one is left behind.” At the construction site, workers welcomed the opportunity. Among them was 26-year-old David Mudenge, who earns Rwf 5,000 a day. “I was unemployed before this job,” he said. “Now I’m saving to build a small house on my land. This project has given me hope.” Kirehe District Mayor, Bruno Rangira, said 150 local residents have already been employed through the project. He added that discussions are underway to improve the road linking Nyarubuye to Kirehe town. The initiative is part of the ‘Jya Mbere’ Project, a World Bank-funded programme supporting socio-economic inclusion for refugees and host communities. It builds on previous investments, including a Rwf 4 billion equipment upgrade at Ngarama Hospital, with further expansions planned for outpatient and mental health services. World Bank Country Director, Sahr Kpundeh, praised Rwanda’s inclusive approach to refugee management. “Rwanda has shown that the right policies and programmes can turn refugees from a perceived burden into an opportunity,” he said. Beyond healthcare, the Jya Mbere project has improved vocational training centres, expanded ten schools, and supported more than 900 local and refugee-led businesses with training and financing. It has also addressed environmental challenges near Mahama Camp through drainage and re-screening works.
