KIGALI - The Minister of Defense, Gen James Kabarebe, has called upon residents of Gasabo District to strongly support the government programme of eradicating grass thatched houses commonly known as Nyakatsi.

Kabarebe made the call yesterday in Jabana Sector where he presided over the launching of construction of 35 houses for vulnerable residents who have been residing in Nyakatsi

"The main objective of our government to eliminate thatched houses and replace them with better houses is to promote the social welfare of all Rwandans in their respective capacities,” Kabarebe said.

He urged them to always turn deaf ears on people who may want to mislead them saying that that eradication of Nyakatsi is a government plan of making life difficult for them.

Addressing residents after laying the foundation stone at the construction site, Kabarebe urged the beneficiaries to properly maintain the houses, and sensitize their fellow residents against the poor housing.

He also encouraged them to strive for sustainable development, fight against poverty and illiteracy in the country.

Speaking to The New Times shortly after the event, Kabarebe said; "the construction of these houses will help the beneficiaries to easily access clean water, electricity and roads since they will be living in a community settlement where the government can easily roll out the infrastructure.”

The Mayor of Gasabo District, Willy Ndizeye, said that each house will have three rooms, adding that the beneficiaries were selected through Ubudehe programme.

According to Ndizeye, Gasabo District had 1,474 thatched houses but currently they are remaining with only 824 houses, which he said, would be eliminated by March this year.

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