In the heart of Rwanda’s Kicukiro District, the people of Nyarugunga Sector are proving that when a community stands together, even the most ambitious dreams can be paved into reality—literally.
Last year, driven by a shared vision for a better future, the residents of Nyarugunga did something extraordinary. Without waiting for government handouts or outside donors, they raised 700 million Rwandan Francs—entirely on their own—to construct 14 kilometers of tarmac roads in their neighborhood.
For years, these roads had remained dusty and impassable, slowing down economic activity, limiting access to services But instead of waiting for change, the people of Nyarugunga became the change.
Mr. Nkusi Assiel, one of the local residents says.“We usually come together to pool resources for projects that require financial support When a village presents a project to us, we contribute. That’s how we’ve managed to accomplish great things like these roads—and more.”
But the roads weren’t the only achievement. Alongside the infrastructure transformation, the community also built a nursery school worth over 80 million Rwandan Francs, ensuring that their youngest children would have access to early education close to home.
These efforts were highlighted during a leadership retreat in Bugesera District, where Nyarugunga’s progress was showcased as a model of homegrown development. Leaders from all administrative levels in the sector gathered to review the achievements of the 2024–2025 fiscal year and chart the course for 2025–2026.
Mr. Mutsinzi Antoine, Executive Administrator of Kicukiro District, praised the residents’ efforts:
“If you consider the ideas submitted by citizens and the available government budget without their contribution, the national budget wouldn’t be sufficient. These roads were 100% community-funded. If we had waited for the government, they could have taken years.”
The success is no accident. Over time, the residents of Nyarugunga have cultivated a culture of cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility.
It’s this spirit that has earned the sector five major awards, including recognition for best governance performance in Kicukiro District. One of its villages was even named the best in Kigali City.
The retreat didn’t just celebrate past achievements—it strengthened commitments to tackle future challenges, including poverty reduction and continued infrastructure development.
In Nyarugunga, development isn’t just about buildings or budgets. It’s about people: neighbors who roll up their sleeves, leaders who listen, and a community that believes progress begins at home.
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