Local leaders divert materials meant for Survivors’ houses

WESTERN PROVINCE RUBAVU— A commission set up by the district to assess the progress on homes being constructed for vulnerable groups including Genocide survivors, in Rubavu district, has exposed some flaws. A report, yet to be presented to district sector coordinators and officials in charge of social affairs, revealed that some building materials were diverted. The report says that there were a number of flaws in appropriation of material for the houses. Speaking recently, the Mayor Celestin Twagirayezu warned of tough measures against local leaders involved in the scam. “It’s unfortunate to see that some local leaders have misused these building materials. The culprits must face charges,” warned Twagirayezu who is also a member of the commission. The commission has been on a district tour to evaluate the progress of work on the houses. Twagirayezu noted that whereas most of the sectors had worked hard towards sheltering genocide survivors, some had not. “The report found out that some of the constructed houses are too small while others are bigger than the standard size. Some irresponsible leaders have built smaller houses for the survivors and have had extra materials such as iron sheets and cement sold,” he said. He said that names of errant leaders will be revealed in the next meeting in which the report will be made public. The report cites one local leader in Muhira, Nyakiriba Sector who sold 11 bags of cement out of the available materials. The Mayor said such people will be asked to refund the materials before being prosecuted. The report also revealed cases of nepotism in handing over finished houses. “We found cases such as in Nyakiriba Sector where leaders have used nepotism to give houses to wrong people instead of the disabled and genocide survivors,” he said. On participation, the report found out that in certain areas residents were not willing to offer assistance towards the construction. The district official in charge of good governance Martin Habimana, said residents should be mobilized and reminded on their role in the construction and provision of shelter to survivors. Ends