Kayonza -The district of Kayonza has successfully eliminated grass thatched houses, locally known as Nyakatsi, after a vigorous campaign, the Governor of Eastern Province, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija announced.

The Governor told The New Times, yesterday, that all other districts must emulate the strategy Kayonza adopted to eradicate Nyakatsi.

He said that those who could not afford modern housing, were given iron sheets for roofing, in addition to massive sensitisation.

"Kayonza has stood firm on Nyakatsi and that has ended the problem,” Kabaija said. "Of course, some people criticize what we are doing, but our position is one, to end Nyakatsi.”

Damas Muhororo, the Mayor of Kayonza said that fighting Nyakatsi can only be successful, if authorities get tough on the process.

Jean d’Amour Ntahimana, 38, a resident of Rwinkwavu Sector said that most rural residents resisted the modern housing because of ignorance.

He testified that he had a bad attitude towards this shift, until he started enjoying the benefits of living in a well- roofed house.

"I know some people are not happy with the process, I was part of them. But, I bought iron sheets and I am now happy in a decent house,” he said.

Kabaija went on to urge Bugesera residents to speed up the process, and not necessarily wait for the Diaspora, who through the ‘bye-bye Nyakatsi’ project, are raising funds for modern housing.

Bugesera district has 7,363 out of the 13,000 Nyakatsi houses remaining in Eastern Province.

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