One month after assuming office, members of the new Senate have said they would direct their focus on streamlining, enacting and implementing laws that will guide the country to attain its vision.

According to Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, the president of the supreme legislative body, they will avoid shelving resolutions and enacted laws by ensuring that they are enforced.

They made the resolve yesterday at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where the Senate is holding a three-day retreat.

"We must avoid the ‘business as usual’ attitude. We have got to raise the bar higher and be exemplary in executing our duties,” said Ntawukuriryayo.

In theier first month in office, the senators elected commissions and their leadership and approved laws on international financial agreements to support sectors such as energy.

Senator Tito Rutaremara outlined the origin and responsibilities of the upper chamber.

"The Senate must strive for the unity of all Rwandans, power sharing among all political parties and promote a culture of open debate for the citizens,” said Rutaremara.

The senators also discussed and shared information on how other senates in the world operate, but drew a distinction with that of a Rwanda that aims to restore unity and confidence in leadership lost following the Genocide.

Given the fact that over 90 percent of members of the Senate are new, it was imperative for the retreat to get to know each other.

Only six out of the 26 members are from the previous Senate. They are slated to complete their eight-year mandate next year. 

Ends