KARONGI —  The Western Province considers settling residents in settlements commonly called Midugudu as top priority this year, an official has said.

According to Governor, Celestin Kabahizi, other projects on top of the agenda include adoption of local saving cooperatives (Umurenge SACCO) and completion of expropriation of residents to be evicted from Gishwati forest.

"We are targeting improved results on land consolidation and better supervision of economic development among districts,” a statement released by Kabahizi reads in part.

Residents especially in Rubavu and Rusizi districts who were evicted from Gishwati forest and those who were displaced by last year’s deadly earthquake have ended up settling in slums.

In a related development, the province has set up a Financial Management Committee (FMC) and directed each district to do the same in order to ensure proper management of district funds.

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