NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — The Gicumbi District Advisory Council has nullified the contracts of two construction companies for failing to honour their contracts.

The council also resolved to write a report to the National Tender Board to have the companies blacklisted.

"Some of the construction companies which have failed to honour their contracts include: Gitori Beton construction company which failed to complete the construction of Muhondo School, and ECKE Construction Company which abandoned the construction of Ruvune Sector offices," said Ildephonse Butera the vice Mayor for Economic Affairs.

He was addressing members of the district advisory council last week at the district headquarters. The meeting was convened to evaluate last year’s district performance and part of 2008. In attendance was the council chairperson Beatrice Nirere, the vice chairperson Jackson Mutabazi, the district Mayor Bonane Nyangezi and a delegation from Burundi’s Interior Ministry among others.

The vice mayor highlighted accomplished district projects and those which are still underway.

"The district has completed the construction of Yaramba market, public latrines, schools and bridges with the assistance of Community Development Fund," said Butera. He added that the district had managed to rehabilitate Rwesero, Kigogo and Byumba Health centres.

Reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting, it was confirmed that the head teacher of Bwisigye Secondary School was sacked over alleged corruption, and another district employee who used to consume alcohol during working hours was also fired. Also relieved of their duties with terminal benefits were district employees who have been on sick leave for more than a year.

Meanwhile, the council chairperson [Nirere] briefed the visiting Burundi delegation on the composition of the council, saying it is made up of a consultative Bureau comprising of the chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary.

"The council is further comprised of one or two representatives from each sector, a youth and women representative, and three people from the district executive 36 members in all," said Nirere.

She explained that there are three commissions within the committee which includes a commission on economy, sports and gender equality.

"Each member belongs to one of the commissions," Nirere told the delegation.

The chairperson added that the council monitors the district’s economic activities, advises the district executive and evaluates the district performance on regular basis.

The Burundian delegation was in Rwanda on a study tour during which they leant operations of Rwanda’s decentralisation policy, and the functions of the district advisory councils. They were in the country reportedly at the invitation of the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance and Community development.

Ends