NORTHERN PROVINCE

MUSANZE – Residents who are regarded as the historically marginalised in the Musanze district, want to be referred to as people with vision. The residents told local leaders on Thursday that, addressing them as people with vision would inspire them.

They made the remarks at a ceremony to inaugurate over 24 houses worth Rwf.40m which were constructed by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for the genocide survivors in Susa village Muhoza Sector.  

One  of the recipients, Chantal Uwimbabazi, 23, a mother of two, stressed that they feel belittled whenever they are referred to as the historically marginalised.

A group of six families with 35 members are regarded as the historically marginalised  part of the larger 1235 residents of Susa.

They include the genocide survivors, the disabled demobilised soldiers, orphaned children heading families and other vulnerable groups. 

A fortnight ago, while officially opening seven other houses constructed by the Rwandan Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) in Susa, the same group told Members of Parliament who were present that, they were not comfortable with the phrase ‘historically marginalised’,which describes them collectively. 

Present at the Thursday function was the Executive Secretary of the Northern Province, Doe Kabagambe, who called upon the residents to embrace government poverty eradication programmes. He also urged the group to send their children to school in order to prove that they are people with vision.

Pacific Nduwimana, of NEC, asked residents to support good leadership saying it promotes welfare, solves housing problems, and ensures food security and employment.

The newly constructed houses within the Susa village were jointly funded by the Ministry of Local Government, Musanze district, NEC, and RDRC.

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