NORTHERN PROVINCE Gakenke District has unveiled a new modern market and district conference hall worth over Frw400m. The construction of the market is valued at Frw380m and conference hall estimated at Frw86m were jointly funded by the Ministry of Local Government through the Common Development Fund (CDF) and the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC). BTC donated the funds which constructed the last phase of the market at a cost of Frw182m and gave out Frw172m towards the building of the conference hall. BTC also constructed the road to the new district site. The new facilities were officially commissioned by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Local Government Eugene Balikana flanked by the Belgian Ambassador to Rwanda Dr. Théo Baert. The resident representative of BTC Piere Duliew and the local authorities also attended the function. Speaking at the occasion, the district Mayor Zephrin Ntakirutimana said that whereas the road towards economic development is long, the residents need to utilise the available resources to eradicate poverty. “We have been given computers in every Sector, motor bicycles for all sector leaders, it is now time to prove that we can make a difference,’’ the mayor said. Richard Mberabagabo, the district Executive Secretary commended BTC for the support rendered to the district. He revealed that nine poor families in every village (mudugudu) had been offered soft loans under Ubudehe. The resident representative for BTC, Piere Duliew said that the support, which is out of the good cooperation with Rwanda government, intends to involve the local residents in the fight against poverty. Ends
