NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — An official of the Ministry of Local Government has asked district leaders to carry out direct monitoring of the construction of houses for the genocide survivors to avoid diverting of construction materials by builders.

Jean Claude Rwahama was on Thursday speaking at a meeting of district and sector leaders of Gicumbi and Rulindo districts at Byumba Eglise Episcopal du Rwanda (EER). The meeting organized by the ministry was meant to evaluate development projects in the two districts. Rwahama said the builders should dig strong foundations to avoid constructing frail structures.

Presenting her district 2007 and part of 2008 performance, Gicumbi district Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs, Ildephonse Butera highlighted: construction of health centers at Rutare, Kageyo, Rubaya and Byumba Sectors. He noted that the district has modernised agriculture resulting in high yield of Irish potatoes, wheat, tea, and adopted modern livestock farming which has resulted in high milk production.

"People are sensitized to form farmer’s cooperatives to increase production," said Butera. He further said the district has attained a lot in environmental conservation through construction of terraces to prevent soil erosion, and increase agricultural production. "Gicumbi district comes first in terrace construction countrywide," Butera claimed.

Eugenie Uwamahoro, the district vice mayor for social Affairs said the district has managed to construct 21 houses for Genocide survivors in Mutete and Ruvune Sectors. She appealed to government to avail the district with iron sheets and cement in order to complete the remaining 45 houses.

On his part, Rulindo district Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs, Deo Nzamwita said his district has registered tremendous economic achievements in agriculture through passion fruits and tomato production. He explained that the fruits are supplied to Sorwathe, Sina and Sopromaru factories for the production of wine and tinned tomato sauce.

Nzamwita observed that Rulindo has coltan mines at Rutongo and Shyorongi Sectors which provide employment opportunities to residents.

Emilienne Niwemwiza, Rulindo vice Mayor for Social Affairs said out of 1,213 houses meant for Genocide survivors, 676 houses have reached completion. She also appealed to government for more construction materials including iron sheets to roof 28 houses in Cyungo Sector.

Ends