NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — The Mayor of Gicumbi district Bonane Nyangezi has advised Nyiragasuruba village residents to use the over Rwf1.8 million they received from the Common Development Fund (CDF), for priority development projects such as installation of bio-gas facilities to generate energy for lighting and cooking.

He was on Sunday addressing residents who turned up for a one day seminar on the implementation of the poverty eradication programme of ‘Ubudehe’ at Byumba Polytechnic Institute (IPB).

The CDF, an organ in the Ministry of Local Government, applauded the residents for their proper use of Ubudehe funds in 2008.

"The district shall provide all the necessary aid to facilitate the implementation of this project because it saves degradation of the environment through cutting down of trees for firewood,” said Nyangezi.

The Mayor further told participants that the Ubudehe programme is well recognised as an engine for steering national economic development from grassroots level.

He hailed the residents for their proper use of Ubudehe funds in promoting livestock farming and modern agriculture, construction of houses for vulnerable groups and terrace construction to prevent soil erosion in the villages.

Nyiragasuruba village was ranked 9th countrywide among the best performing villages in using Ubudehe funds, and it emerged first at the district level.

The seminar that was also attended by local leaders from Nyamabuye Cell and Byumba Sector was conducted by Gicumbi district officials and national representatives of Ubudehe.

Fidele Kayira, the programme National coordinator, urged residents to always choose priority development areas during village meetings and seek assistance from sector and district authorities for development projects that are beyond their financial capacity.

"The Ubudehe programme has been in existence among Rwandans since pre-colonial days. It is aimed at eradicating poverty and fostering unity in society”, said Kayira, further advising residents to monitor the use of funds through their elected committees, in order to ensure they are channelled to projects beneficial to all residents in the village.

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