KARONGI – Sector leaders in Karongi District have been tasked to explain the noticeable sluggish performance in the Fund for Genocide Survivors (FARG) intervention programmes.

Last month, FARG donated 80 cows to improve the livelihood of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the district, on condition that local leaders would work closely with the beneficiaries to set up standard kraals for the donated cows.

Despite having received the cows, only 12 out of designated 80 kraals have been constructed with only one sector, Rugabano, having fully completed the task.

During a consultative meeting, yesterday, the District Mayor, Bernard Kayumba, lashed out at the local leaders, describing them as "unserious”.

"If you do not jointly work with the residents to fulfil the conditions under which you were given these cows, you may, at one time, be held personally responsible,” said the tough-speaking Kayumba.

He challenged the district agricultural officers to provide all the required support in order to effectively help Genocide survivors to improve their social and economic status.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Cyriaque Niyonsaba, the Executive Secretary of Rugabano Sector, attributed the success of his area to the cooperation and joint effort with the local population.

"We have been able to construct all the planned five cow sheds in less than one month. It is because of the hard work and concerted efforts from all residents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Freud Nsabimana, the district FARG coordinator and Director in charge of social affairs and disaster management, expressed optimism that the district will meet next week’s deadline.

"We have issued a one-week ultimatum and I have no doubt the local leaders are committed ensuring that the job is accomplished on time. They (local leaders) have previously exhibited a bit of carelessness, but now most of the work is in its final stages,” Nsabimana said.

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