Rwanda, Kuwait Fund ink Rwf8b health project deal

The Government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) have signed a $12.7 million (about Rwf8.5 billion) financing agreement for the construction of the Munini Hospital in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province. The project will support social development of Southern Province by helping the increasing demand for health services and improving the quality of healthcare services in the district. The three-year project comprises the construction of the new Munini District Hospital with capacity of 300 beds. It also includes the supply of medical and auxiliary equipment and the consultancy services for design, supervision of construction and procurement. The agreement on the concessional loan was signed in Kuwait city, Kuwait, by the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Amb. Claver Gatete, and Abdulwahab Ahmed al-Bader, the director-general of Kuwait Fund. The minister is visiting the country to attend the first ever Arab-Africa Economic forum. Job opportunities Speaking after the signing event, Amb. Gatete said construction of the Munini Hospital would not only bring closer quality health services to Nyaruguru Sector, but also provide employment opportunities to nurses and doctors. “Health is one of the underlying factors in the quest for a middle income economy by 2020 and hence it is crucial that Rwandans access health services,” Amb. Gatete said. The project is expected to not only serve the people of Nyaruguru district but also people from the neighbouring districts of Gisagara, Nyamagabe and Huye. Abdulwahab Ahmed al-Bader, the director-general of Kuwait Fund, acknowledged the existing cooperation between the financial institution and Rwanda. He commended Rwanda’s proper use of external funding and hailed its remarkable progress. “We are ready and commited to continue supporting Rwanda going forward and are assured that the people of Rwanda will stand to benefit from this partnership,” Al-Bader said. Kuwait Fund supports several projects in Rwanda, including the concluded $10 million rehabilitated Ngororero-Mukamira road project, expansion and rehabilitation of the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre, with financing amounting to about $14.2 million. This is part of the government’s broader efforts in Rwanda’s quest for a firm Technical and Vocational Education Training. The Fund is also financing construction of the Rubengera-Gisiza road, Lot 6 of the Kivu Belt multinational road, with about $14.4 million. It is an ongoing project which, upon completion, will boost trade and tourism along the belt.