President Paul Kagame has called for action against poor service delivery after a young Rwandan raised concerns about delays at public health facilities and the quality of education in government schools.
The issue was raised during a Meet the President dialogue at BK Arena on Wednesday. The meeting also heard an appeal from ten siblings who said their family had lost a house despite winning a court case.
The young man questioned why public services often appeared less efficient than those offered by private institutions, particularly in healthcare and education.
He recounted meeting a mother who had reportedly spent two days waiting for treatment before being advised to seek care at a private clinic.
The young man said the experience had upset him. He added that some parents sent their children to private schools because they believed public schools did not provide adequate education, despite the higher costs.
Kagame said the problem of poor service delivery was known and needed to be addressed.
He described an experience at a supermarket where he had joined a queue and waited while an employee responsible for serving customers used a telephone.
When the President reached the front of the queue, the employee looked up and noticed him.
Kagame said he asked whether the employee knew how long customers had been waiting, but the response suggested a lack of concern.
“These things should be discussed, but it should not stop at talking about them. We must also reject them,” Kagame said.
Ten siblings seek help over family house
During the same dialogue, Byiringiro Elysee appealed to Kagame on behalf of ten siblings who said their family had lost a house bought by their parents, despite winning a court case.
Byiringiro introduced himself as the tenth child in a family of 11 siblings.
“Your Excellency, my name is Byiringiro Elysee. I am the tenth child among 11 siblings. We have all come here hoping to get an opportunity to ask a question about a problem we have lived with for many years,” he said.
He told the President that people had taken the family house and left the siblings without a home.
“People came and took away the house our parents had bought for us, throwing us out like street children. We are asking you to help us get justice. We went to court and won, but it was all in vain,” Byiringiro said.
He did not specify how long the dispute had lasted or provide further details about the court proceedings.
Kagame promised to have the matter followed up through the justice system.
“That issue will be followed up quickly through the justice system so that the facts can be clarified,” he said.
He also asked officials present to consider whether the family could receive additional assistance. Byiringiro smiled as he returned the microphone.
Minister warns youth about alcohol and drugs
Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana urged young people to protect their health and avoid substance abuse, warning that alcohol and drugs could undermine their ambitions and contribution to national development.
He said young people often have dreams and goals, but harmful habits can prevent them from achieving them.
“We must take away the status alcohol has been given and give importance to what deserves it. There is nothing good about alcohol, either for health or for the country’s development,” Nsanzimana said.
He explained that alcohol could reach the brain rapidly and interfere with communication between brain cells, affecting judgement and behaviour. He also warned against cannabis use and illicit alcoholic products.
Nsanzimana urged young people to exercise, seek medical assistance when necessary and support friends experiencing health problems.
Kagame, meanwhile, urged young people to take responsibility for their behaviour, saying that people should learn from their mistakes and make choices that contribute to their own development and the wellbeing of their families.
