EASTERN PROVINCE

The Mayor of Rwamagana district Valens Ntezirembo has defended the recent validation exercise for beneficiaries of the Fund for the Assistance of Genocide Survivors (FARG), saying the exercise was transparent.

The umbrella association of Genocide survivors (Ibuka) had earlier claimed that the validation exercise, which was commissioned by the government in an effort to get rid of quack beneficiaries, was flawed with irregularities and genuine beneficiaries were struck off the list.

However, in an interview with The New Times recently, Ntezirembo said that the exercise was carried out smoothly with the input of all residents including members of Ibuka in the area.

"I cannot support their complaint because the exercise was carried out in the open manner and witnessed by many people among them Ibuka members. It was carried out at the grassroots level, with the help of local leaders and other residents,” he said.

He continued to add that "even before this, there were consultations with Ibuka members in villages, FARG and the Ministry of Local Government officials. Ibuka members were particularly instrumental in identifying genuine beneficiaries and giving any necessary data.”

In their remarks, Ibuka questioned the criteria used in identifying the beneficiaries. Some of the districts cited to have made errors in interpreting the guidelines which were to be followed in compiling the lists included Gisagara and Ruhango in the Southern Province, Rwamagana in the Eastern Province and Rusizi in the Western Province, prompting the lists to be revisited there.

Ntezirembo asserted that some of those who complained were driven by sentimental feelings. He said they had been struck off the list because they were no longer regarded desperate.

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