SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — Attendance was low in many churches visited by The New Times on Easter Sunday as celebrations were disrupted in most parts of the Province by a morning downpour.

At the Saint Therese Catholic Church in Butare town, the usually full pews were virtually empty. Worshippers were seen trickling in towards the end of mass.

The equally popular Zion Temple also saw a record low attendance. At the Butare Cathedral, many Christians opted for the 10.00 o’clock mass after the rain had reduced to drizzles.

In his sermon, Monsignor Phillip Rukamba, the Bishop of Butare Diocese, who was the main celebrant, urged worshippers to emulate Jesus’ example of true love which he showed when he accepted to die on the cross.

"Jesus’ death and resurrection has made us conquerors. We should strive to do good, help the poor and the needy. It is through such acts that we shall give meaning to his death and resurrection."

Over 30 children were baptized during the Easter celebrations at Butare Cathedral.

In a related development, prices of most food stuffs were hiked in Butare central market according to a mini survey done by The New Times. The price of tomatoes doubled from the usual Frw400 to Frw800.

However, there was no direct link between Easter celebrations and price hikes, as prices of most food stuffs have been on the rise over the last few weeks.

"Prices of virtually all foodstuffs have hiked. Tomatoes, Peas, beans, carrots, cooking oil, sugar are mostly affected," said one buyer.

Even charcoal prices have shot up. A sack of charcoal which used to go for Frw3,000 in January now costs Frw4,000.

According to Ildephonse Gasana, the district Vice Mayor in charge of Economic affairs, the increase of charcoal prices is attributed to restrictions on cutting down of trees in the district.

"We have instituted measures to protect the environment. This means restricting charcoal burning in our forests," said Gasana. The new measure means that only old trees will be felled from forests.

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