Over 80% in Rwamagana above poverty line-a Mayor

RWAMAGANA-The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Nehemie Uwimana, has said that at least 81% of the district’s population lives above the poverty line. The Mayor disclosed this, yesterday, while addressing a delegation of 20 members of Parliament led by the Vice Chairman of Parliament, Hon. Evariste Kalisa. The Mps engaged residents of Muhazi Sector in the monthly community work (Umuganda) where a road leading to Cassiterite mines was rehabilitated. The Mayor said that the majority of the population, who are involved in cattle keeping and agriculture, was doing extremely well. “We have good news in this district...there is abundant food and milk. We are at the peak of production and we expect to go even beyond what we are producing to export food elsewhere,’ he said amidst applause. Odette Uwimana, the Governor of the Eastern Province, reiterated the need to improve agriculture production in the Province. She said that the province and other stakeholders were working around the clock to find markets for the high milk production in the province. “Production in the whole province has increased tremendously...in fact, the only issue we have is seeking a market for our produce, which we are going to do,” she said. The Governor also revealed that the Province was going to provide aid to the people of the Republic of Somalia. “We are a generous people who are touched by the hunger stricken families in Somalia. We are soliciting aid both in kind and cash, to help the children in Somalia suffering from hunger. The sensitization will go on in all sectors of our Province”. Meanwhile, Hon. Kalisa said that the Legislatures will continue supporting the residents of the district in their socio-economic activities. He advised local leaders to serve the people with all diligence so that they can have a positive impact on their livelihoods. “We do not limit ourselves (Legislatures) to formulating laws and auditing government, we also engage in helping people in development activities. This is our obligation...to serve the people,” he said. stephen.rwembeho@newtimes.co.rw Ends