NORTH - Members of the LODA Board of Directors, accompanied by LODA Senior Management, concluded a two-day field visit to Musanze and Burera Districts aimed at assessing the implementation and impact of development projects financed through LODA while engaging with local authorities and beneficiary communities.

The visit provided Board members with an opportunity to witness first-hand how LODA-supported investments are improving infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, and enhancing the livelihoods of citizens across the country.

The first day of the visit focused on Musanze District, where the delegation held discussions with district leadership before touring several projects implemented through the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP).

Among the projects visited were the renovated Kabere Health Centre, Stone Arc Bridges, Musanze Industrial Park, tarmac roads, Cyuve Health Post, Kaliyeri Food Market, Musanze Youth Centre, the Cyuve Home-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, and the Musanze Food Court.

The Chairperson of the LODA Board of Directors, Mrs. Annoncée Kuradusenge, commended Musanze District for effectively utilizing development resources channelled through LODA and for embracing innovation in project implementation.

She praised the district's commitment to ensuring that investments translate into tangible benefits for citizens and encouraged continued collaboration with the private sector to sustain innovative approaches to local development.

“We would like to commend you because it is evident that you are making very good use of the support you receive, while introducing many innovative approaches. We encourage you to sustain this spirit of innovation and continue strengthening collaboration with the private sector. These achievements are commendable, and we will continue discussing the additional priorities you have presented” – She said.

District officials expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with LODA, noting that the projects have significantly transformed the district, particularly the urban landscape of Musanze Town.

The Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Mrs. UWANYIRIGIRA Clarisse highlighted that the projects implemented through LODA have been instrumental in reshaping the town and improving public infrastructure. 

She emphasized: “Looking at the projects implemented in our district, we can confidently say they are the ones that have visibly transformed the face of Musanze Town”.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Maurice Nsabibaruta, the Division Manager of Community Development and Strategy Coordination at LODA, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting secondary cities and promoting inclusive local development.

He noted that Musanze's remarkable progress demonstrates the positive impact of LODA's investments and expressed hope that continued development would attract even more visitors and investment to the district.

“As one of Rwanda's secondary cities, we are pleased that LODA has contributed to the progress achieved here. We hope that more people will continue coming to Musanze because they can clearly see this development”- He added.

Community members also shared testimonies on how the projects have improved access to quality healthcare, created employment opportunities, and contributed to better living conditions.

On the second day, the delegation visited development projects in Burera District, beginning with Ikirezi Home-Based ECD Center located in Nyangezi Village, Rwasa Cell, Gahunga Sector.

The center currently hosts 34 children, providing integrated Early Childhood Development services including nutrition, hygiene, early learning, and cognitive stimulation.

Parents whose children attend the center said it has enabled them to engage in income-generating activities while their children receive quality care and early learning support.

The Board also visited the 10-kilometre Bushoka-Nyanga Water Supply System in Kinoni Sector, constructed through the PPD-Basket Fund. The project now supplies clean water to more than 3,860 residents.

Beneficiaries explained that the project has significantly improved access to safe drinking water, reducing reliance on water previously collected from Lake Ruhondo.

Concluding the field mission, members of the LODA Board of Directors applauded the significant contribution that LODA-financed projects continue to make towards strengthening local government capacity, expanding public infrastructure, and improving citizens' livelihoods across Rwanda.

The Board, however, observed that while LODA's achievements are extensive and impactful, they are not receiving the level of public visibility they deserve.

Board members therefore encouraged LODA Management to develop and implement a stronger, more strategic communication and outreach approach to ensure that citizens, partners, and stakeholders are better informed about the institution's contribution to local development and social transformation across the country.