KIGALI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Saturday called on Rwandans to actively work together as a team as they participate in activities that uphold social and economic development of the country.
He made the remarks while addressing thousands of residents of Gasabo and Kicukiro districts in the capital city of Kigali, who participated in the monthly community work, locally known as "Umuganda."
"Citizen Participation is essential for economic growth. Meaningful socio-economic development is best achieved through hard working with a common goal to produce an optimal outcome. Together we can build a strong and prosperous Rwanda," he said.
Kagame emphasized that there is the need for deliberate policies to promote social and economic inclusion, as well as policies that enhance democracy and accountable government.
"We should not minimize the impact of Umuganda, everyone's contribution is proof of what we can achieve working together. Rwandans have to stand together to ensure the country's prosperity."
Umuganda is held in communities across Rwanda every last Saturday of every month and it has become a norm among Rwandan citizens where they use the platform to develop their communities.
During the community work, Kagame joined residents to plant trees in Nyandungu wetland recreation and eco-tourism park along the Kigali special economic zone.
The park seeks to conserve environment, create green jobs and promote tourism.
According to the ministry of local government of Rwanda, the monetary value of Umuganda is equivalent to an average annual budget for two districts.
The small central African country targets to increase the current average annual GDP growth rate from the current 5.4 percent to more than 10 percent, with an eye to reaching upper middle income status by 2035.
