Members of Ruhango District private sector have resolved to invest in various development projects geared at enhancing the district’s growth this financial year. At a three-day retreat attended by 105 representatives of the private sector in the district, this week, the members outlined key projects where they intend to put their money. The projects include construction of a modern Rwf2.5 billion taxi park, building of a maize flour processing plant, and setting up of a petrol station in Buhanga Centre and a minimarket in the Byimana trading centre. The projects would be implemented within a period of between two to three years. The retreat aimed at identifying issues hampering business in the district. It called on businesses to embrace cooperatives, which have proven to be critical to the attainment of development goals. “We have committed to develop our district. We shall work with other partners and the district on these projects,” said Dr Jean Marie Vianney Usengumuremyi, one of the local investors. Usengumuremyi cited lack of investment groups to work with banks among the factors which could be undermining their efforts. Veneranda Umulisa, a business woman in the district, said the current peace in the country can guarantee business success. “The security in the country motivates us to invest,” she said. Ruhango District mayor, François Xavier Mbabazi said the retreat was intended to engage the private sector in development initiatives. “We have realised that the development of our country depends on strong and active private sector collaboration with the government. The private sector resolved to run various development projects, which the district was planning to invest in. Once this is done, the district will focus on areas such as social affairs, health centres and schools,” he said. Jean de Dieu Bizimana, the president the private sector in Ruhango, estimates the number of registered business people in the district at 500, but said they want to carry out a study to establish the exact number. The business operators said the retreat gave them an opportunity to rethink about how to develop their businesses through joint efforts. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
