Gatsibo celebrates Belgian cooperation

THE Belgian Government has over the last 25 years contributed over Rwf370 million towards the development of Gastibo district, the mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza said on Monday.He was addressing the media ahead of an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the partnership scheduled for October 26.“Our partnership dates back to 1987, when the district signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Belgium Government,” he said.The partnership was forged with the then Ngarama commune, which was absorbed into Gatsibo during the territorial restructuring that took place in 2006.The mayor explained that the fruitful collaboration between the two parties had strengthened relations and supported the district in various sectors including education, development in ICT, capacity building and availability of clean water in communities.Other sectors are health through putting up of health centres, support to women through the National Women Council (NWC) and engaging them to start income generating activities through cooperatives.“Through this partnership, 13 classrooms were built including a Vocational Training school, in addition to providing the furniture, all at a cost of over Rwf 70 million,” Ruboneza revealed.In 2006, the partnership was renewed, , with the aim of further enhancing the support and increasing on the projects to be funded.“From that time, support was then directed to activities that empower the population to fight poverty,” he said.The second phase that also comprises projects that are still under implementation cost over Rwf 245 million. Among others, the Belgium Government supported the establishment of a solar energy project in Ngarama sector during the first phase. Ruboneza said the district will work towards consolidating the relations.Gastibo officials say that the financial support extended by the Belgian Government has gradually increased.An official overseeing the partnership, Celestin Twagiramahoro, said that its success depended on the commitment of both parties. He said that youth empowerment would, among others, be the focus of the two partners in efforts to alleviate poverty.The two parties have also devised a two-year strategic plan to focus on promotion of vocational education and job creation targeting the youth.