Governor furious with leaders over hygiene

WESTERN PROVINCE KARONGI – Western province governor Celestin Kabahizi has lashed out at district leaders in his province for not bothering to ensure that there is exemplary cleanliness and hygiene in all public places. The tough speaking governor rapped the officials while giving a directive to concerned officials to inspect all public institutions including schools, restaurants, hotels and markets with an intention of closing down those that do not comply with the set conditions. The move comes amid widespread complaints that some public offices lack accessible toilets and those which have them are never kept in proper hygienic conditions. “When one visits some of your public places, you don’t feel relieved even after easing your self. It is unfortunate even when we get frequent visitors they will never mention that we need to improve,” a concerned Kabahizi said. He also expressed concerns over the relocation plans which is scheduled to be part of implementing the Gishwati forest master plan. The plan stipulates that residents currently occupying this area should be evacuated to give way to the planned activities by the end of this year. Kabahizi also advocated for quick land consolidation and faster measures to ensure justice for all by completing all pending court cases in Gacaca and other courts. “As a way of fostering economic independence among residents, starting next year, we are planning to hold exhibitions at the provincial level so that people can market their products and access substantially new income streams,” he added. Among other strategies,the Governor announced that a feasibility study to set up another coffee processing plant in Karongi district will be conducted and the establishment of another institution of higher leaning in the province is also underway. Currently there are three coffee plants in the districts of Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi while a branch of Kigali Health Institute (KHI) and National University of Rwanda (NUR) is each located in Karongi and Rusizi. Ends