EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA – Garbage within Rwamagana has turned into an eyesore after failure by a contracted cleaning association known as GIRISUKU to maintain cleanliness in the town. The association started operations in 2004.

The garbage problem recently prompted authorities to close one of the markets that was becoming a health hazard in the town.

"We advised businesspersons to shift to the well built market that has no problems of garbage,” Executive Secretary Valérie Rubibi Kigabiro said.

The members of the association however, see it otherwise and blame the population for poor cooperation.

"Most people have neglected the kind of advice we have offered. Just because GIRISUKU is there it does not mean that litter has to be thrown all over the place. It can’t work that way, every one has to take a share of responsibility, if the town is to be clean. Otherwise, we pick litter every day, and I don’t see why this should be a fuss,” said Emmanuel Higiro, leader of GIRISUKU association.

In sharp contrast to what the association says a spot check around Rwamagana reveals the presence of heaps of litter near a food market. Locals complained that the association is not doing its work, since there is evidence of garbage within various parts of the town.

"If we have some people paid to clean the town, why do we have all this dirt around us? They should do their work or hand over to others interested in the money they get who can do work better,” complained Kayihura Francois, a resident of Rwamagana town.

In a seemingly desire to change its work ethic for the better Girisuku association, recently changed its status into a limited liability company. It is now known as Fast Service Company Limited.

"We have changed the status of the association because we are under going a transformation for the better,” the association leader said.

Sources however said the association has been experiencing a general lack of financial capacity to handle the town cleaning exercise.

"We operate without vehicles or related equipment. Our salaries are ever being delayed. All these explain our inefficiency, and it will take us time to change,” complained a worker of the association who preferred to remain anonymous.

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