Nyanza - The Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Mathias Harebamungu, yesterday commissioned 152 classrooms under the Nine-Year Basic Education (9-YBE) programme in Nyanza district.

The district has also renovated 56 classes that will serve students in the primary section.

After touring the newly constructed classrooms in Mukingo, Ntyazo, Busasamana and Kigoma sectors, the minister commended the district for the work done in less than three months.

"The work that they have done in such a small period of time is commendable. Few Districts have achieved this...some have not completed despite having to construct fewer blocks,” Harebamungu said.

He refuted claims that the Ministry of Education delayed the process of delivering materials-including iron sheets, cement, doors and windows, which some districts claim paralysed their activities.

Harebamungu noted that the Ministry started delivering iron sheets in July last year and that before the end of September; all materials had been distributed to districts.

He hailed the parents and residents of Nyanza District for supporting the process and urged them to keep up contributing to the development of education as a foundation for national development.

"Parents massively participated in the construction of the classrooms; we wish to see those capable also contributing to teachers’ welfare,” he said.

While schools are set to open on January 10 for this academic year, Harebamungu noted that 84% of all rooms that will be used under the 9-YBE programme have been completed countrywide.

Speaking to The New Times, Nyanza District Mayor, Abdallah Murenzi, noted a significant participation of local residents in the construction process which he said accounted for over Rwf70m.

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