As the Finance Minister John Rwangombwa, yesterday, presented the 2012/13 budget in Parliament, The New Times’ Fred Ndoli sought out the views of different citizens about the budget.Martin Masabo: Head teacher, Lycee de Kigali Emphasis on Infrastructure will create the development of every other sector, and not forgetting education, as it is the backbone of everything the country wants. 10 percent increase in salaries will motivate teachers.Faridah Uwamahoro: Fruit vendor in Kigali City market I wouldn’t support the idea of increasing civil servants’ salary yet there are lots of bridges needed to be constructed that would have an impact towards development. These bridges facilitate easy movement of people.

Josephine Mukankusi, a farmer in Musanze DistrictWe would want the government to mind more about getting us more fertilizers. Currently, there is shortage of food crops which is affecting food production. There should also be funds allocation to help farmers get easy access to loans to enable us improve our plantations.

Tom Gakumba, student at Mount Kenya University The government should allocate a bigger budget to agriculture to reduce on the imports. For example, we have lots of swamps or marshlands where we can grow sugarcanes to manufacture our own sugar where we will not need to import sugar and also develop our own coffee for export.  Bosco Rukundo, a motor bike taxi operator in Kigali City  There is need to embark more on infrastructure development especially feeder roads as a way of boosting trade in the rural areas.