Upcountry insight: Urban hygiene, the major points of concern

NORTHERN PROVINCE The recent joint operation in Ruhengeri town by the district, police and the army officials that left a number of restaurants closed over sanitation, was seen as the last warning to town dwellers operating under unhygienic conditions. They were ordered to clean up, renovate old fashioned houses, and clear sewage trenches. Ruhengeri town is ranked the third biggest town in the country, with probably the highest number of hotels, bars and restaurants more than any other province. It has the best wheather patterns, ever moderate rainfall with a green environment and capped mountains which give it the most beautiful scenery in the region. Due to its proximity to the Volcano National Park, there has been a rapid infrastructural development in the area, with over five fully furnished hotels, others still under construction, rehabilitation of roads- with pavements, and flowers have been planted along the main street. However, most of the houses along the peripheral streets are still in their old fashioned state, they lack public dustbins, have substandard dirty toilets, water trenches are blocked, polythene materials are littered almost every where. According to the UN projections, in the next one year, more than 50% of the world’s population will be living in urban rather than rural areas, and the figure is expected to rise to 80% by 2030. Economists generally agree that if the urbanisation pace is maintained and directed properly, it presents the best opportunity for higher growth and a better quality of life for urban dwellers. The rift valley-kind of environment for Ruhengeri town exposes it to ever running water and this requires regular cleaning, and strict measures to keep the town clean. This may require punitive measures including imposing heavy fines to those failing to observe the expected standards. The town has been undergoing reconstruction, paving roads and painting old buildings, but the standards of hygiene are still wanting; which according to the district Mayor, Celestin Kalabayinga, call for regular inspection. Commenting on the state of hygiene, Kalabayinga said regular inspections by the district authorities will be conducted. The recent inspection was led by the mayor in conjunction with Brig. Gen Mucyo Kamanzi of the RDF, and the Regional Police Commander, Superintendent Rogers Rutikanga. Ends