In a bid to boost agricultural production, protect arable land and boost food security, Nyaruguru district has constructed radical terraces that are worth over Rwf380 million in the last fiscal year.
District officials say that thee investment led to the creation of terraces covering approximately 400 hectares across six different sectors.
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Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, the Mayor of Nyaruguru district, emphasized that these advancements in agriculture are only the beginning of their ongoing journey to elevate food security and environmental protection.
In addition, they undertook the restoration of the Kibaza marshland in the Kibeho sector, covering an impressive 40 hectares at Rwf70 million. Maize drying shelters were also constructed in Kibeho, Kivu, and Muganza sectors, with the Kibeho dryer realized at an approximate cost of Rwf100 million.
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Apart from investing in agriculture, different initiatives were introduced, and not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also contributed to the district&039;s overall socio-economic development.
"In our commitment to enhance the well-being of our population, we prioritized the construction of shelters for vulnerable members of our community. Our social protection program accounted for over Rwf500 million in investments, with around Rwf391 million specifically allocated for the construction of shelters for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi," added Mayor Murwanashyaka.
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Water supply systems were established in Ruheru and Muganza sectors at an approximate cost of Rwf 100 million, and a 9km electric line was successfully implemented in Ruheru sector, requiring an investment of around Rwf 200 million.
François Nzeyimana, a resident of Gashinge village in Muganza sector, expressed the transformative impact of the newly installed electric line. He described how it changed their lives, providing opportunities for investments in businesses, access to modern conveniences like mobile phones and television, and improved living standards.
He lauded the role of taxes in the country’s development and requested those who are still evading taxes to stop doing so.
"When we pay taxes, we reap the benefits of our contributions. Whether it&039;s in the form of electricity, roads, or water, this money is allocated to business owners, but ultimately, it benefits the entire community," he added.
Verdiane Mukarurangwa, also from Muganza Sector, shared similar sentiments of gratitude towards the government. She particularly appreciated the construction of a water supply line that now brings clean water directly to her home, sparing her community from the health risks associated with fetching water from swamps.
Additional infrastructure projects included the construction of the Gikunzi Health Post at a cost of Rwf50 million, a water tank in Cyivugiza village at Rwf 100 million, and an Irish potato granary in Nyagisozi, amounting to Rwf 50 million.
The Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice, emphasized the significance of these achievements, including water projects, electricity access, health centers, schools, and road infrastructure.
"These are very important because they catalyze new investments and enhance the connectivity of our people. In Nyaruguru district, 34 kilometers of roads were constructed, including sealed roads in different sectors. Besides these roads, unpaved roads were maintained, including some for pedestrians, which considerably contributed to connectivity and market access," she said.
The Rwanda Revenue Authority is celebrating the Taxpayer Appreciation Month to present the tax revenue collections for the previous fiscal year, recognize the most compliant taxpayers, and showcase the development projects financed by tax revenues.
The culmination of this celebration will be the national Taxpayer Appreciation Day on November 10, 2023, at the Intare Conference Arena.