Council accepts resignations, announces more changes

NORTHERN PROVINCE GICUMBI — The Gicumbi District Advisory council last Friday approved the resignations of both the District Executive Secretary, Maximillien Niyonzima and that of the head of Infrastructure Albert Kubwimana. The meeting chaired by the newly appointed chairperson, Cecile Nyirantwari, also approved the demotion of some senior district employees for alleged incompetence and irregularities, filling their posts with other staff on temporary basis. The resolutions were reportedly reached at a retreat of the council and the district executive held in Musanze district recently. Other sources however, say Niyonzima escaped being fired because the district staff assessment report had revealed that his performance was wanting. “The district executive secretary Maximilien Niyonzima who tendered his resignation before the Musanze retreat, lacked coordination techniques, non adherence to making monthly reports to his superiors and was susceptible to corruption tendencies during the execution of his duties,” read the evaluation report seen by The New Times. His post is temporarily occupied by the district director of Human Resources Damas Higiro, while that of infrastructure has been filled by the official in charge of environment, Emille Nyakagabo. Those demoted include the director of Finance, Harriett Furaha who was relegated to an ordinary district employee, reportedly due to lack of relevant qualifications. Her post was filled by the district revenue collection officer, Benjamin Ndayambaje. Others affected by the changes include, the former district Chief Accountant, Francois Hitayezu who was posted to Byumba Sector as an accountant. It was noted that the new changes take immediate effect and those who held other offices will perform the added duties concurrently. Others affected include the Executive Secretary for Mutete Sector John Bayingana who was posted to Rukomo Sector as a civil status officer.His post is now occupied by the former Executive Secretary of the Ruvune Sector, Jean Bosco Muvunyi. The Rushaki Sector Executive Secretary Cam Harindintwari, also resigned apparently to ‘pursue further studies’ and was replaced by Innocent Ndahiro. Meanwhile, Diogene Rugira, the Nyankenke Executive Secretary was also said to be incompetent but his case remains pending. The district head of ICT, Helen Mukanzabandora’s performance was also said to be wanting and her case was referred to Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) for redeployment. While commenting on the changes, however, some councillors expressed fears that the new appointees would be overwhelmed by work. “It is not possible for a senior employee to effectively perform duties as a revenue collection officer out in the field of the entire district, while at the same time performing office duties as a director of finance, or controlling district finances as an executive secretary, while at the same time attending to employees’ problems as a Human Resources director,” said one member. However, the chairperson, Nyirantwari explained that the appointments are temporary aimed at filling the gap left by the sackings. “These posts being occupied by district senior employees shall be advertised to all Rwandans as vacant posts which require competent and qualified replacements, in the near future,” she said. Notable members present at the Friday meeting included the Mayor Bonane Nyangezi and the vice Mayor for social affairs Eugenie Uwamahoro. Ends