Festive season: Authorities join efforts to assure safety

Three public institutions have joined efforts to ensure that the festive season is safe, fun and convenient for Kigali residents. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has demanded service providers to be at their best, Police has reassured of safety and the City of Kigali is out to ensure planned events run smoothly. The City of Kigali, RDB and the Rwanda National Police yesterday addressed a joint news conference to communicate their message to the public as the festive season kicks off. Journalists rise their hands to ask questions during the press conference. / Timothy Kisambira Serge Kamuhinda, the RDB chief operations officer, said that as the country moves to grow its service sector, quality service is a prerequisite especially at such times. The service providers, he noted, that are likely to be on high demand over the festive period include transport, banking and hotel services. He cautioned those that will offer substandard services will be held to account. Celestin Twahirwa, the commissioner for community policing at RNP, assured the public of safety over the festive season, saying they were ready and fully equipped to handle any issues that may come up. Twahirwa briefs journalists on festive season policing yesterday. / Timothy Kisambira He said the Force was working closely with other organs to ensure that there are no interruptions to festivities. Twahirwa reminded motorists to be extra careful and cautioned against drink-driving. He said it was one of the major insecurity risks at this time of the year and advised the use of designated drivers or taxis. Unlike previous years, this year, Police will not have officers on standby to drive people home. “We do not have cars to take drunk drivers home. However, there will be patrol cars across the city for people who may require assistance from the Police,” he said. A journalist asks a question during the press conference. / Timothy Kisambira Twahirwa further cautioned joints that sell alcohol to minors. Officers on duty will be on the lookout for such incidents, he added. Parfait Busabizwa, the City vice mayor in charge of economic development, called on city residents to enjoy responsibly without inconveniencing other people. Noting that there were a number of events scheduled for Christmas and the New Year period, he said they were working with security organs to ensure that they were safe for merry makers. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Festive season: Authorities join efforts to assure safety