GATSIBO - Scores of angry residents camped at Kiziguro sector offices, Gatsibo district, on Monday, protesting the continuous delay in payments for the work done as part of the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP),

VUP is an integrated local development programme which operates at the sector level to accelerate poverty eradication, rural growth, and social protection.

The residents, who worked for VUP programmes, constructing feeder roads and terraces, claimed they have been working since July, but had never been paid.
"I started working for VUP last year. At first we were paid on a quarterly basis, but the situation later deteriorated,” one of the residents told The New Times.

There are over 937 residents working with VUP programme in Kiziguro sector with each paid at least Rwf20, 000 a month.

Another resident, Belancile Mukamurara, said that when they approach sector officials for intervention, they tell them to wait.

"We have approached sector officials to help us get our money. They always tell us to wait…we have been waiting since July,” Mukamurara said.

"I was evicted from a thatched house and I expected to use the money I worked from VUP to roof my house…but now that we are not paid, I am stuck,” another resident complained.

Speaking to reporters at his office, Joseph Munyaburanga, the Kiziguro sector executive secretary said that he was aware of the problem and the residents would be paid before Christmas.

"It’s very true that VUP payments delayed but this was because of the money transfers that some times take long. But I want to assure every one that they will be fully paid before 25th this month,” he said.

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