In partnership with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), and Development Partners, a joint field visit to projects implemented through the Pro-Poor Development Basket Fund was conducted on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This fund aims to support rural districts in enhancing the well-being of their citizens.

The Pro-Poor Development Basket Fund is supported by the German government through KfW, the French government via the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Luxembourg government through the Luxembourg Development Agency (LuxDev).

Among the projects visited were educational infrastructure developments at Ntete Primary School in Kiramuruzi Sector. These included the construction of three new classrooms, the renovation of 13 existing ones, and the building of 13 latrines. The school previously suffered from a shortage of classrooms, and the available facilities were old and poorly constructed, causing extreme heat during dry seasons and creating an unconducive learning environment.

Today, parents say their children are learning in a safer and more dignified environment. Some children who had dropped out have even returned to school. 

“In the past, our children used to come home dirty and tired because the classrooms were overcrowded and unhygienic,” said Revocate Uwamariya, a mother of three. “Now, it feels like in Europe. The classrooms are spacious and clean, and children who had dropped out are back in school” She added.

The team also visited a newly constructed Maternity Ward at Rwimitereri Health Center in Murambi Sector. Previously, the maternity operated from a small makeshift room to accommodate pregnant women and expectant mothers. The new building is spacious and equipped with modern medical equipment, enhancing antenatal care and delivery services.

Delphine Nyirabagenzi, a mother from the community, praised the project, noting that the previous space was inadequate. “The old room was very small, and women couldn’t give birth comfortably. This new maternity unit is large, clean, and equipped with up-to-date equipment. We no longer have to be referred elsewhere for services like ultrasound because we now have it here,” she said.

The delegation also visited a newly constructed bridge linking Kiziguro and Kiramuruzi Sectors—one of three bridges built under this project in Gatsibo District. Locals expressed relief, explaining that the previous bridge had collapsed and was impassable, cutting off access to essential transportation and trade.

Charles Kabarega, a local resident, shared his experience: “Crossing here used to be a real challenge. No cars, motorcycles, or even bicycles could pass. Even pedestrians had to wade through deep water. This bridge came at the perfect time. Now, buyers from Kigali can come directly to purchase our harvest.”

The management of LODA called on the residents to fully utilize the facilities provided—ensuring all children attend school, all pregnant women complete their recommended antenatal visits, and all deliveries happen in health facilities.

Additionally, LODA urged Gatsibo District leadership and residents to take collective responsibility for maintaining and protecting these infrastructures built through the Pro-Poor Development Basket Fund.