WESTERN PROVINCE

NYABIHU — President Paul Kagame has appointed, Jean Damascene Ndagijimana as the Nyabihu interim district Mayor. After the post fell vacant, when the incumbent, Charles Ngirabatwari, resigned last month citing personal reasons.

He will hold the district’s highest office until the National Electoral Commission conducts by elections, within a period of two months.

Ndagijimana who explained that he was appointed in the interim position by President Kagame, took office on November 4 at a function held at the district conference room. Ever since the Mayor resigned, the vice Mayor in charge of welfare, has been in the acting position.

Ndagijimana, promised to work hard towards the promotion of good governance.

"I will do my best to promote good governance and hard work towards the district’s development by working together with all the district’s local leaders right from the grassroots level in order to provide better services to the people,” he said.

He urged residents to think and vote wisely in the by elections, through electing a hard working Mayor who will develop their district by providing services that will help them get out of poverty and ensure better living standards.

"Whoever comes should be ready to work towards the improvement of the people’s welfare,” Ndagijimana counseled.

Chief guest, the minister of State for Social Affairs, Christine Nyatanyi, urged Nyabihu district leaders on unity.

"There was poor cooperation among the past district’s leadership. They lacked cooperation in the process of solving the district’s challenges. I call upon you therefore to unite and work together towards solving the current challenges that are affecting the well known rich agricultural district,” she said.

She observed that protecting the Gishwati forest from further encroachment was one of the outstanding challenges facing the district.

The minister asked the leaders to ensure that all last years’ flood victims in the area, who are still homeless, get shelter as a matter of urgency.

Apparently, the Prime Minister’s office has released the necessary building materials including iron sheets and cement for the construction. She warned the new district authority against flouting the tendering procedures.

"You should avoid nepotism by providing tenders to your family members and business associates, tenders should always be advertised and awarded on merit,” she advised.

The new acting Mayor comes days after government dissolved the entire district council over alleged mismanagement.

Ends