WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — In a bid to improve hygiene in the town, Gisenyi sector authorities have given residents keeping cattle in the town until March 22 to have taken their animals elsewhere.

Emanuel Mazimpaka, the Gisenyi sector coordinator issued the deadline last week during a security meeting which was attended by local leaders, police and the military officers.

"Gisenyi town is known to be a tourist hub due to the presence of attractive features like hotels and the magnificent shores of Lake Kivu. This is the reason why it should be kept clean. I therefore urge you as leaders to do everything possible to ensure the improvement of hygiene in the town,” he said.

He explained that animal droppings were affecting the cleanness of the town.
The directive comes days after a health swoop left scores of restaurants and bars closed due to poor sanitation.

Jacqueline Bakunduseruye, the Rubavu District vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, said the order was in line with the district’s commitment to make Gisenyi a tourist hub
She added that the district, in collaboration with Rwandan Tourism Institute (RTI) and the Ministry Commerce, last year organised training for all hotel and restaurant owners in hygiene and customer care.

She noted that the district was doing everything possible to give the town a new facelift.
Other issues discussed in the meeting included the residents’ role in maintaining their own security. Residents were asked to honour their pledge of each contributing Frw500 monthly for payment of people who carry out night patrols.

Manzimpaka commended residents who contribute about Frw1million per month, but also called upon local leaders to encourage defaulters to clear their dues.

On the current security, he noted that night patrols had greatly reduced crimes such as robbery and burglary. He challenged residents to always report suspicious cases to security agencies to ensure security in the area.
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