RUSIZI - Residents of Nyakarenzo, previously one of the poorest sectors in Rusizi District, Thursday, celebrated the various development projects under the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP).

During the celebrations graced by religious leaders and government officials, the sector highlighted a number of achievements within the past few years. 

Among the achievements include the sector savings and credit scheme (Umurenge-SACCO) which currently has Rwf16m in savings. Plans are under way to build premises where the savings scheme will operate from and about Rwf2.7m has been earmarked for this purpose.

Other achievements cited were the number of residents with health insurance which rose from 20 to 99 per cent, control of soil erosion by terracing 82.5 hectares of land and increased livestock. 

The Sector Executive Secretary, Gilbert Rukazambuga, said they had previously lagged behind compared to other areas of the district due to  lack of human resources.

"The Genocide robbed this sector of very many people compared to the rest of the sectors in the district. The high numbers of widows and orphans would never have helped in developing the sector,” he said. 

Over 2,700 people are employed under VUP and about 12 formerly vulnerable residents who acquired jobs have managed to construct their own houses, local leaders said.

Gervais Ntivuguruzwa, the district vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, attributed the remarkable recovery of the sectors to good leadership. 

"We should always work hard…Nyakarenzo has done Rusizi proud, because of all these tremendous achievements,” he said. 

Deo Nibagwire, the representative of the National Electoral Commission in Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts, used the occasion to advise residents to massively participate in the forthcoming Presidential elections.

"Vote without anyone’s influence, just focus on a person who will bring more development,” said Nibagwire. 
Religious leaders prayed for the polls.

Ends