Thursday, April 02, 2020 / 07:03 PM / by Standard Daily Times / HeaderImage Credit: Africa Buzzfeed               

The Rwandan Government has on Saturday, March 28,inaugurated a support initiative to vulnerable families who have been affectedby the lockdown aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The move is in line with what President Paul Kagamehad highlighted in his address to the nation on Friday, March 27, where henoted that the Government will do everything possible to support vulnerableRwandans during the coronavirus containment period which is characterised bysocial and economic challenges.

President Paul Kagame ordered door to door freedistribution of food to Rwandans and people living in Rwanda as well as otherconcessions like free energy (electricity).

Starting Saturday, officials were moving from house byhouse to conduct equal distribution under Kagame's direct supervision to avoidfavoritism.

The hard-hit Rwandans living in urban centres withouta salaried income are the most affected.

Currently, Rwanda has 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The initiative kicked-off in some parts of the threedistricts of Kigali.

However, according to the Ministry for LocalGovernment, concerned authorities are looking at a proper way of taking thesupport to secondary cities as well, and it will also be announced soon.

An official from the ministry noted that "The citieswere prioritized because they are the most affected by the lockdown."

The food relief is being drawn from the country'sNational Strategic Grain Reserve under the Ministry of Agriculture and AnimalResources which is used in case of food shortage.

In addition to this, many citizens country-wide havealso willingly made their contributions to help their vulnerable neighbors.

According to the local government ministry, thebeneficiaries were detected with the help of local authorities because they arethe ones who know the vulnerable in their specific location.

The distribution is by local officials and othervolunteers who are doing it while observing COVID-19 preventive measures.

Related News

1. Rwanda Plans to Achieve 100% Electricity by 2024
2. Rwanda: Open For Business
3. Rwanda Central Bank Rolls Out Basel III Liquidity Measurement Regime
4. Blackpace Group Brings Potato Production & Processing to Rwanda and Nigeria
5. Opportunity Meets Doggedness: Rwanda's Technology Miracle
6. Rwanda Development Board Announces Investment Opportunities in Luxury and Leisure Tourism
7. Leadership Lessons from Rwanda
8. Pointers this time from Ethiopia and Rwanda
9. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda honours African business leaders at a gala ceremony in London on 6th