Karongi District’s young man struggles to pay over Rwf2m debt after building a road

Spandrel.

Niringiyimana Emmanuel, a resident of Karongi District is proud that his goal to create a road for fellow citizens has been achieved but he remains a problem of unpaid debt of Rwf 2.2million

The young man, who was known to build a 7 kilometers road said he had the idea when he realized that there was no road in Murambi Sector in Nkoto Cell, there was no road to help the people.

He said that he felt pain the day he saw neighbours carrying a patient in a traditional tool (Ingobyi) by passing in the bushed and they fell down with the patient. 

The creation of the road has been a bridge to its popularity until he appeared among the 25 giants selected to name 25 gorillas in 2019.

Niringiyimana told Kigali Today that his participation in the naming ceremony of the baby gorillas had made him more popular until he started receiving various grants.

He is happy with the road at the same time struggling to pay the debt he used in fast tracking the construction activities.

Niringiyimana says that after the naming ceremony, he signed a contract with the telecommunications company to advertise for them and they paid him Rwf4million which he invested in finalizing the road as he was tired with his own physical efforts while there was a need for building the bridges.

In addition to the money donated by the telecommunication company, Nizeyimana said he used other money donated by other people paid Rwf5.8million, remaining with a debt of Rwf2.2million.

“I became very popular after naming the baby gorilla, the telecommunication company signed me Rwf4million contract to advertise for them. I also got support from various other people like SINA Gerald a bicycle and ten bee hives, other Rwandans living in Germany donated me with Rwf400,000 as well as the American pastor who helped me to pay health insurance for 31 needy families.” He said.

“Of the money I spent, I did not count the energy I spent on the 7 kilometer road I built using my hands because it was self-sacrifice to show the youth that they must give their hands to help the country,” he added.

It took him Rwf8million to complete the road and he remained with Rwf2.2million debt after paying Rwf5.8 million to manpower.

This young man said that the debt prevents him from sleeping.

He is currently in Kigali city where he came to look for a job.

Residents enjoyed the road

After the road was completed, various residents of Murambi Sector rejoiced at the way they rested in the basement through the bushes, thanking the young man for his dedication and love to bring them to the road as themselves failed to do that before.

“I did nothing but bless her, and everyone on the street wished her a blessing, be it a child, a young person or an old woman or an old man.” Said Patricie Uwiragiye.

“It was difficult for us to carry the patient in a traditional basket (ingobyi) because there was no road. Today we can get a motorcycle when the Ambulance delays.” Uwiragiye added.