Rwanda

UNDP Rwanda hands over 10 generators to the National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) for Rwanda

Kigali, 19 January 2007: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today handed over 10 generators to the National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) within the framework of a project undertaken three years ago jointly with the African Development Bank (AfDB); a project that aims at supporting the implementation of the National Strategic Multisectoral Plan of Response to HIV and AIDS, a project worth $ 3,000,000.

The generators of a value of US$ 85,470 (about 47,000,000 Frw) will be used by 6 districts, the National Youth Council, the National Women Council, the Forum of NGO and CNLS. The generators will help beneficiaries to address issues related to the current problems of power shortage and will improve their capacity to efficiently deliver services to grassroots levels.

“Capacity Building for decentralized levels is one of the key areas of UNDP support and our Country Office is pleased to work with the government of Rwanda and the AfDB in ensuring that HIV is mainstreamed in the work of various institutions of government including local authorities”, said Safiou Esso Ouro-Doni, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in charge of Operations. He added that UNDP expects that the generators will improve the delivery of services to the people of Rwanda and, more importantly, that this support will help district authorities to achieve the performance contracts signed last month with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda during the Annual National Dialogue.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of CNLS, Dr Agnès Binagwaho thanked UNDP and ADB for their continued support to the fight against HIV & AIDS in Rwanda. “The support provided will contribute to the improvement of coordination of stakeholders’activities related to the fight against HIV and AIDS”, she said.

The Country Representative of the AdDB, Mr Khader Abou Guèye saluted the partnership between the Government of Rwanda, UNDP and ADB and stressed that this project has been one the most successful projects in the Bank’s portfolio in Rwanda. “This equipment will support the districts to professionalize their services and improve the welfare of the communities”, said Guèye.

The President of the National Women Council, Ms Oda Gasinzigwa, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, stressed the importance of this donation at this time when the power shortage is a real problem to the development of Rwanda. “As you know, we have a problem of power shortage and these generators will help us do our work properly and report timely”, said Gasinzigwa.

The beneficiaries who received the generators include the districts of Burera, Rulindo, Rubavu, Ngororero, Nyamasheke and Nyaruguru, the National Women Council, the National Youth Council, the Forum of NGOs and the National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS).