African ministers tour rural housing project

Kayonza/Rwamagana – Delegates who were in Kigali to attend a continental meeting on housing praised rural housing projects under Integrated Development Program (IDP) in Kayonza and Rwamagana districts. The officials were here for the 31stannual Shelter-Afrique Symposium that took place last week.They comprised ministers and permanent secretaries whose ministries are in charge of urbanisation and housing. They were led by the Director General Shelter Afrique, Alassana Ba.Shelter Afrique is a Pan African financial institution dedicated to financing housing and related infrastructure in Africa.The visitors were given a tour of Nyagatovu and Kitazigurwa villages, by the Governor of Eastern Province Odette Uwamariya.Ba said Rwanda presents a typical example of an African country whose good leadership was steadily paving way for development.He said Rwanda offers good lessons for Africa, adding that Shelter Afrique would help other nations emulate the same.“The village we visited tells the story by itself...we have experienced quality organisation second to none, in Africa. It all goes down to good leadership. We travelled with a number of ministers and officials from other countries that I am sure are watching closely,” he said.The Ghanaian Minster of Housing and Water, Norfey Dua said Nyagatovu and Kitazigurwa model villages offered big examples to other countries.“This is a good idea, well planned and well implemented. It’s not easy to relocate people and later on help them settle properly. It’s a fantastic idea and the government of Rwanda must be congratulated,” he said.Williams A. Idakwaji, an architect with the Federal Housing Authority in Nigeria said a society needed to be well administered to develop such villages.He blamed most African countries for failing their people with bad politics, adding that resources were not the only prerequisite for development. “I don’t have words to express what I have witnessed, very smart people, not rich, yet living in an excellent environment. Most African nations are corrupt and doing disservice to their people.Shelter-Afrique, was started in 1982 and currently has 44 member states.

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African ministers tour rural housing project