The City of Kigali and its 3 districts namely Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Kicukiro together with the Rwanda National Police (RNP)  launched an eighth edition of the Security and Hygiene campaign. It kicked off on January 31 and will end on June 16, 2019. It will focus on public sensitization on hygiene and security under the theme: “Keeping Kigali City Clean, Green and Safe”. It will also ensure the consistent and participatory improvement of hygiene and security by creating an environment that enables all institutions to work in synergy with active and responsible community.

Mr Parfait Busabizwa, the deputy Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs in the City of Kigali reiterated that the campaign shall be improved to ensure hygiene and security at the village levels is achieved in what he termed as “extending hygiene beyond public places but to the households”

Also present at city Hall was the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in-charge of Administration and Personnel Juvenal Marizamunda.  He said though a lot has been achieved since 2011 when the campaigns first began, a lot more needs to be done to close the existing gaps in the area of security and hygiene. According to him, where there is no sanitation and hygiene, people are at risk of easily contracting diseases, and added that a sick person is an insecure one.  He urged all stakeholders to uphold the realization of the previous campaigns.  “Together, we have achieved a lot in the previous campaigns which have contributed to the safety and welfare of city dwellers and visitors. However, we are still faced with challenges of drug abuse, excessive abuse of alcohol leading to several crimes, we at RNP will continue putting many efforts in addressing these issues and invite everybody to collaborate” he concluded.

Flash back at the previous campaign

During the 7^th campaign, the City of Kigali and Rwanda National Police inspected all public places to ensure pavement are done where 60 schools, 44 health facilities, 125 churches, and 78 petrol stations constructed pavements around their premises. Also 1922 public toilets were constructed and 194 public dustbins were installed. Through community mobilization, waste collection subscription and payment increased considerably. However, more is needed to be done to raise community awareness. It was noted that the maintenance of greening especially in schools, health centers, roads, and business centers need to be improved.         

Main areas of focus for this undergoing campaign

A.     HYGIENE ISSUES:

•         Poor hygiene in public premises

•         Low level of understanding on hygiene and sanitation among community

•         Waste dumping  (citizens and companies responsibilities)

•         Dusty compounds in public places ( greening and pavement)

•         Painting of  business centers

•         Waste water management (Homes and businesses)

•         Rainwater harvesting

•         Planting trees at homes and along the roads: Fruits and ornamental trees

•         Wetland protection and conservation

•         Human Security issues

B.      SECURITY ISSUES:

•         Drug abuse

•         Gender based violence

•         Noise pollution

•         Night patrol

•         Information sharing

•         Fire outbreaks

•         Prostitution

•         Street children

•         Security lights

•         Thunder/lightning

•         Road accidents

•         Poor maintenance of marram roads in residential areas