Budget constraints slow down City development plans

Not all projects planned to be implemented during the last fiscal year were completed because The City Council ran out of funds. According to the city budget execution sheet, of the over Rwf 37.4 billion needed, only Rwf 23.4 billion was raised, affecting various projects. On road construction and maintenance which had been allocated over Rwf 18.9 billion, only Rwf 12.3bn (64.71%) was raised, 30.5km of roads installed with street lights to the tune of over Rwf 2bn (100%) and 22km of side-walks paved. Over 46 kilometres of new roads were constructed during the 2010/2011 financial year while another 25km of road were rehabilitated. The newly constructed roads are part of the 103.7km that are set to be constructed in phases in the city to the tune of about Rwf 45 billion, with another 34.5km of new tarmac roads set to be constructed in this financial year. About 1,000 women attained skills in basket ( Agaseke) weaving while the same number is targeted to benefit this year and have 1.1 million trees planted. About Rwf 1.9 billion had been allocated to the construction of health centres in the sectors of Remera, Gatenga, Kigarama, Kimironko, Mageragere, Gatsata and Kanyinya, but none was built. Speaking during the Public Accountability Day yesterday, Fidele Ndayisaba, the City Mayor, said that four health centres in Kanyinya, Gatenga, Remera and Mageragere sectors, will be constructed this year. The designs of the health centres were also modified to multiple storied facilities at a cost of Rwf 580m up from the previous Rwf 360m. The new health facilities’ design, he said, would include tuberculosis wards, walkways for persons with disabilities and enough waiting rooms, all which were not included in the original design. “We run short of finances to accomplish the targets,” Ndayisaba said. Among the projects to be implemented this year is the lighting of 35 km of roads which will see street lights also extended up to Kabuga, naming of 1,640km of roads and completion of the City Hall. Dieudonne Sebashongore, the Chairman of the City Advisory Council, who presided over the Public Accountability Day, commended city authorities for their commitment. He appealed to Kigali residents to be responsible and work hand-in-hand with the city leadership to realise the country’s dream. Ends

National

Budget constraints slow down City development plans