Gakenke budget increases by 60 percent

GAKENKE - The 20102011Gakenke district budget has risen by 60 percent from Rwf5 billion in the last financial year, to Rwf8 billion this fiscal year. The budget was passed on Thursday by the District Advisory Council after being presented before residents. According to the budget provisions, 48 percent will be allocated to development, while the balance will cater for other expenditures. The increase in expenditure was attributed to expansion of development initiatives in the district. Presenting the budget, the Mayor Piere Damien Hakizayezu, said the district would focus on promoting sector credit and cooperative societies (Umurenge SACCO), and infrastructure development, especially upgrading the Kirenge-Rushashi and Kabuye-Rutabo-Base roads which are in poor state. Two health centres would also be built and three cell offices will get solar energy this fiscal year.Hakizayezu said the district had prioritised increasing internal revenues which currently contributes only 3 percent of the district budget. “In the execution of the budget we may meet challenges especially the hilly nature of the area which will affect agriculture transformation, understaffing at the sectors, and poor infrastructure,’’ Hakizayezu said. The budget is aligned towards achieving the national Vision 2020, MDGs, District Development Plan, the EDPRS, and the resolutions of Kivu Retreat. On the same day, the district presented performance contracts for the next quarter highlighting set goals in good governance, economic development and justice. The president of the District Advisory Council, Zéphyrin Ntakirutimana, urged local authorities to step up their efforts in order to realise their targets. Ends