GICUMBI/MUSANZE – Kiyovu village, in Manyagiro Sector, Gicumbi district and Kimanzi cell, Musanze district emerged the most innovative villages following a survey done by the Rwanda Association of Local Governments (RALGA). Kiyovu was awarded Rwf4,1m and Kimanzi Rwf 3.8m.

Speaking to The New Times, Gicumbi district Vice Mayor, Ildephonse Butera, said their effort to eradicate poverty through agriculture won them the top spot.

According to the Vice Mayor, for the last two years, residents would rear pigs in large numbers and donate piglets to their fellow residents, developing a culture of spreading profits.

He added that "The practice of passing on piglets from one family to another has helped to reduce poverty in the village,” Butera said.

Runners up

The manufactures of energy saving cooking stoves in Kimanzi cell, Musanze district emerged the runners up for promoting the use of energy saving stoves.

Claudine Mukeshima, the cell’s Executive Secretary, said all residents in the three sectors neighbouring the Volanoes park are using the stoves which are sold at Rwf2500.

"It has reduced illegal felling of trees for firewood, and women have more time to engage in other activities instead of looking for firewood,” Mukeshima said.

‘It helped many children go back to school since some used to miss classes looking for firewood in the Virungas,’ she added.

The results of this year’s nationwide innovations competitions were announced last Saturday at Serena Hotel.

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