City Advisory Council reprimands Kirabo

KIGALI - The Kigali City Advisory Council Thursday evening quizzed City Mayor Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, for hours over her alleged negligence in addressing the concerns of Jabana residents over a hazardous stone quarry in the area. A source who attended the stormy meeting said the Mayor apologized to members and promised never to disregard directives from her superiors again. In turn, the members issued her a warning letter. “This is the first warning letter, and if she commits another mistake, she could face another serious punishment,” Kigali City Advisory Council chairman, Titien Muberangabo told The New Times when contacted. According to the source, the closed door meeting first forced out the Mayor before her fate was discussed. She re-appeared later to hear what the members had decided. The Advisory Council was convened to discuss a letter from former Minister of Local Government, Christophe Bazivamo, in which he sought disciplinary action against the Mayor because she had ignored calls to stop the activities of the quarry. According to Jabana residents, the quarry activities are said to be emitting dust and smoke, hence exposing area residents to health hazards and destroying property. They accuse the Chinese owned quarry of using explosives to blast the rocks, which was the root cause of their woes. The Office of Ombudsman had earlier called a meeting involving Kigali City Council, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Local Government Ministry and leaders of Gasabo District in a bid to sort out the matter. All the parties had agreed to solve the Jabana case before August 13 this year which was never effected. Muberangabo said that members of the Advisory Council set January 15 next year as the date by which KCC authorities will have availed a full report on the matter of Jabana quarry. Ends

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City Advisory Council reprimands Kirabo