Rwamagana - Authorities in Eastern Province announced yesterday that the campaign to eliminate grass thatched huts, locally known as Nyakatsi, is on the right track.

According to Denise Umwari, who is in charge of the project, the Province will most likely get rid of the houses ahead of the May deadline.

"People who were living in Nyakatsi due to ignorance or other reasons, other than poverty, have shifted into permanent homes. The sensitisation programme worked,” she said.

"We are only helping the vulnerable...old, handicapped, etc to come up with permanent houses. The process is in advanced stages and we are optimistic that Nyakatsi will soon be history.”

Jean Claude Sinderibuye, a residence of Ndego Sector in Kayonza District, said that the campaign opened the eyes of the rural population.

"I remember when my house was burnt down to ashes. I lost 5 goats, clothes and virtually no property. Now that my house is roofed with iron sheets, I feel secure,” he said.
Gerard Uwamungu, 45, a resident of Rweru Sector in Bugesera District, said that he was extremely pleased by the new house he was recently given.

He said that he had lived in a thatched house all his life, and finds the new change of life style a miracle.

"Let me be sincere, this is the first time I have slept under iron sheet roof. The change is miraculous and I thank my neighbours and government, for the support in building the house,” he said.

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