N. Province districts outline priorities for next fiscal year

Districts from Northern Province have outlined their priorities for the next financial year, mainly looking at infrastructure to boost development.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Residents of Masaka participate in Umuganda last month. The New Times/ Timothy Kisambira.

Districts from Northern Province have outlined their priorities for the next financial year, mainly looking at infrastructure to boost development.At a meeting, on Monday, to discuss their annual budget for 2013-2014 and highlight the priorities for each district, provincial leaders said most developmental projects will be implemented through the Public Private Partnership.Governor Aime Bosenibamwe told The New Times that the purpose of planning and budget consultation is to enable the planners find equitable ways of incorporating the priorities of the locals into the budget framework."All we do is for the people we represent, they are the ones who made us whom we are, so the budget must be clear and capture their needs,” Bosenibamwe said.He urged district leaders to ensure that pending projects are completed with minimal resources, saying community activities such as Umuganda should be encouraged.Breaking the figuresHe also said Umuganda activities should be quantified in terms of cash to properly assess its impact.Rulindo District has planned to use Rwf8.3 billion in the next fiscal year.The main projects are construction of district offices, installing public lighting on the Kigali-Ruhengeri road stretching 20 kilometres, and 9.3 km of the Kigali-Gatuna road.However, district officials said they will spend Rwf3.4 billion in recurrent expenditure and wages for staff, health officials and teachers. The figure represents 43 per cent of the total budget.The district is also encouraging the private sectors to invest in technical education, improve infrastructure, especially roads, and participate in resettling residents in high-risk zones.The total budget for Musanze District is estimated at Rwf21.1 billion.The ongoing projects are rehabilitation of the regional stadium, construction of the houses for Genocide survivors and other vulnerable citizens.In Gakenke District, the projects include the construction of a modern animal slaughter house, construction of 30 biogas tanks in 19 sectors and protection of Nyabarongo river banks which will cost Rwf224 million.Gicumbi District will use Rwf11 billion in projects such as completing the electrification of the Ruvune-Bwisige-Muko-Giti phase 1, street lights maintenance in Gicumbi town, feasibility study of Gicumbi town water supply and construction of Rebero Market phase 1, among others.