MUHANGA - Owners of old buildings in Gitarama town have embarked on a programme of  renovation ahead of a three month  deadline set by the district authorities.

The June deadline was agreed upon between district officials and traders during a meeting held in March this year.

The parties also agreed on painting houses and installing water catchments on roofs and security lights on all commercial buildings.

The Mayor, Vyonne Mutakwasuku, said that it was agreed that all old structures be upgraded as part of larger plans to give the town a major facelift.

The process has so far seen almost half of the buildings mostly situated in the old Gitarama town center being renovated.

However, some landlords have raised concerns of what they termed as inability to fund the renovation programme. Consequently some of them doubt if they will beat the set deadline.

"It’s a good idea, but I don’t know whether I will meet the requirements at once because of lack of financial means. I hope that the district can be patient with us because the time left before the deadline is short,” Ibrahim Patel, one of the landlords said.

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