KARONGI- Authorities in the Western Province are carrying out a series of activities aimed at helping the underprivileged, as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

According to local leaders, emphasis is on supporting the ongoing fight against poor housing by stepping up efforts to eliminate grass-thatched housing known as Nyakatsi.’
Other activities include provision of health services, especially to vulnerable women and young children.

"We are involving all stakeholders such as the police, army and the local population in order to conduct a meaningful week, Paul Jabo, the provincial Executive Secretary, said.
Jabo noted that the number of thatched houses has significantly reduced  and expressed optimism that joint efforts will enable leaders achieve this month’s deadline of eliminating the few remaining ones.

"The deadline at the national level is the end of May, but local leaders in our province are determined to eliminate them by the end of this month,” he said.

"It’s our collective responsibility to have decent housing and opportunities to work together,” newly re-elected Mayor Karongi, Bernard Kayumba said.

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