Frank Habineza commits to boost tourism, issue permanent land titles

Frank Habineza, the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda flag bearer in the forthcoming presidential elections, has said he will promote inclusive tourism so more Rwandans are able to visit the Volcanoes National Park to see gorillas and ensuring that all Rwandans have permanent land titles. Habineza was on Friday campaigning in Musanze and Gakenke districts in the Northern Province. He said the province is home to Volcanoes National Park which is the habitat for gorillas, but very few Rwandans have had chances to see them. He also said that, once elected president, he will develop infrastructure around the park through Private-Partnerships (PPPs). “We will protect the environment around the Volcanoes National Park and ensure wild animals do not attack farmers and their crops. “We will promote tourism and ensure that infrastructure, such as hotels and roads, are constructed, and revise prices so that locals can visit the park and enjoy seeing gorillas”, he said adding that this would also attract more tourists Currently, visiting the gorillas is $1,500 for both local and international tourists. In Gakenke, he said he will work on agriculture development since the sector employs 80 per cent of Rwandans. He said farmers don’t own the land they till. He promised to ensure Rwandans possess permanent land titles. “We will issue permanent land titles so that people can own land instead of leasing,” said Habineza adding that farmers will also have the right and choice on crops to grow. “We came to visit you and present our manifesto of answers for you here and Rwandans in general. I know children study with a lot of difficulty due to hunger and we promised a daily meal for both in primary and in secondary schools; when kids have got something to eat they study well,” he added, noting that teachers will also be supported. And he also told Gakenke residents that he will revise Mutuelle de Sante (Community health insurance) policy to allow them to be treated equally as others using other insurance covers. He also promised to build them a modern market in Cyabingo trading centre, an asphalt road and provide them with water and promote freedom of expression. “Our democracy and our politics seek to ensure that all Rwandans are equal and everyone feels at home,” he said. He reiterated his policy to ensure farmers cultivate whatever they want. He said he will revise the programme where Irish potato farmers will sell their produce through collection centres saying the current arrangement does not help the farmers. Habineza receives a bunch of bananas from a supporter in Gakenke District where he made his first campaign stop yesterday. / Jean dAmour Mbonyinshuti Habineza added that he would promote traditional medicine to leverage the rich biodiversity of medicinal plants the country is endowed with. Habineza will today take his campaign to Rubavu and Rutsiro districts of Western Province. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Frank Habineza commits to boost tourism, issue permanent land titles