70 % One dollar campaign pledges not yet honoured

KIGALI - At least 70 percent of the pledges made during the three-month One Dollar Campaign — which include cash and materials —are yet to be received, an official in charge of the project has said. According to Robert Masozera, the Director General of the Rwanda Diaspora Directorate, the delays are causing a major setback to the construction project of an estate meant for survivors of the 1994 Genocide. Latest information from the directorate indicates that cash pledges were over Rwf600million but the figure rises if non-cash pledges like constructions materials are included. “We are appealing to individuals and companies to honour their pledges so that we can begin construction as targeted,” Masozera appealed. “Some are still on accounts of our embassies in different countries and we expect to get this money very soon but what is evident is that most have not honoured their pledges,” said Masozera. The campaign was initially conceived by the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network but later attracted even Rwandans living within the country. Citing the soccer match between African stars and the national team-Amavubi, Masozera said that they will request the organisers, the Ministry of Sports and Culture to follow up on the pledges that were made then. The game that saw different renowned African stars visit the country was among the major events that characterised the campaign which was launched in April. Still, Masozera revealed that his team is still following up land clearance documents and other administrative procedures required before construction is approved by the Gasabo district officials. The estate is supposed to be put up in Kagugu, a Kigali suburb on a land that was donated by Egide Gatera, a local businessman. Regarding construction clearance, the Gasabo Mayor, Claudine Nyinawagaga said; “Once we have reviewed all the project documents, we will issue approval in time so as to facilitate construction.” She said that her office has given the project a priority due to its significance. Despite the prevailing hitches One Dollar Campaign officials are confident that the project is still on course. “We are now initializing the technical phase of the project; however, our task force team does not have required skills, we are outsourcing from different experts to do the technical work,” Masozera added. Ends

National

70 % One dollar campaign pledges not yet honoured