Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • Guma Guma super star on its end

    By Diana Mutimura

    If you complain that Rwandan artists do not play live music, you must have got the satisfaction over the weekend at Gikondo Expo show ground- the Primus Guma Guma live concert.

    Being one of the first evictions among the competitors, every performer had to give it their greatest, and give their chances of taking home the top spot.

    However, in the Saturday’s concert the first three had to leave the competition because they had received few votes from the public, though they walked out with Frw200,000 consolation each.

    Mani Martin Faycal and Dr. Claude were the ones whose luck of continuing the battle ended last night but this did not mean that they don’t qualify to be the among the famous artists we have in our country.

    During the show the first top seven artists; Tom Close, Dream Boyz, Urban Boyz, Rafiki, Jay Polly, Rider man and King James were first announced before they started their second show.

    The three artists who were evicted because of getting few votes from the public were given the microphone to have few words to tell their fans. And all grateful to their supporters and even promised them to continue doing their best.

    “What I can tell my fans is that I will continue working hard and give my best to you all my fans and I don’t think it is the end of it.”

    “Through you I am optimistic that I will reach very far,” Mani Martin said after being announced among the evicted competitors.

    Faycal said, “I came in this competition when I was hardly known to the public and being out of it first, hasn’t surprised me because of lack of enough public support.

    “But I am very grateful to Bralirwa that organized the competition because I have managed to capture some public support though I were unable get enough votes”.

    Dr. Claude said he does not regret being in Primus guma guma super star. “Even if I am out, it does not stop me from singing and going high. Besides, it was not my chance to win but I’ll continue with my career of singing”.

    Even if these famous artists did not manage to complete the competition, they were very happy for other candidates that remained in the completion and they did this by putting a stunning performance to wish them good luck.

    July 14 among the seven participants that qualified, three will be eliminated paving way for the best four that will perform at grand finals with the international artist Sean Kingston on July 30, at Amahoro National Stadium.

    Mushyoma Joseph aka Boubou, managing director of East African Promoters said that the winner on July 30 will record a song in USA and scoop Frw 6 million Prize.

    The East African Promoters in partnership with Brarirwa sponsored the Guma Guma Primus super star concert.

  • New Business initiative to promote Rwanda’s Young Entrepreneurs

    Rwanda’s Junior Chamber International (JCI) organizers for Terimbere Business Plan Competition have advised the youth to continue sending their business proposals before end of August.

    The business competition which was initiated by the JIC- Rwanda Chapter in collaboration with stakeholders aims at promoting private entrepreneurship, with emphasis on business proposals showing viable employment opportunities.

    According to Fabrice Shema Ngoga, the JCI World Assign in charge of Africa and Middle-East, the business proposals show a reasonable sustainability for at least more than three years.

    He explains that application forms are currently available from JCI’s website www.jci/cc/local/rwanda then the filled forms can be sent to [email protected].

    He, however, explained to igihe.com that applications will be obtained from those that want to improve their business ventures and those willing to start new viable ones and that those interested are only allowed to send one business proposal.

    “Even those who are in groups will be required to nominate a representative who will defend their single business plan,” he stressed.

    JCI’s executive secretary in Rwanda, Albert Nzamukwereka was quick to clarify on how the selection process will be conducted: “Those nominated will be taught how to professionally write business proposals by mentors that will also advise on the execution process,”.

    After the second phase, all nominees will defend their business proposals before a panel of judges most of whom are foreigners.

    Applicants are therefore obliged to draft their proposals in international renowned languages such as French and English.

    Ngoga also pointed out that those in the second phase have high chances of proceeding with their business whether they are chosen or not since at that stage their proposals will be financially viable to attract credits from banks.

    The winners at the competitions will be given loans ranging from US$ 5,000 to US$1 million.

    “Some amount will also be given to winners as an appreciation.” Ngoga said without specifying the amount.

    JCI is an international business initiative that currently has a membership of 200,000 people from 120 countries.

    Members are composed of young entrepreneurs, professionals and university students who are ambitious towards improving their lives and the community at large.

  • Mrs. Kagame in Uganda

    The First Lady of Rwanda Mrs. Jeannette Kagame has visited the St. Mary’s Namagunga Girls school accompanied by her host, the First Lady of Uganda, Mrs. Janet Museveni.

    Mrs. Kagame is on a 3-day private visit to Uganda.

    Namagunga Girls, established in 1942, is known for its stellar academic performance and is one of the best girls’ schools in Uganda.

    While at the school, the Ladies took a tour of the school, each planted a tree and later spoke to over 700 secondary school girls.

    The day ended with a lively interactive session between the girls and the First Ladies, where the girls heard inspiring words, in response to their questions that ranged from gender to music.

    In her message, Mrs. Kagame encouraged the girls to have a clear vision and know where they want to go.

    She also cautioned them that HIV/AIDS has no face, anyone can transmit it; she advised them not to diagnose it with a naked eye and always protect themselves.

    She reminded the girls to be confident and dignified; to hold on to strong values and make the most of the education they are receiving.

    She concluded by saying, “You are what you have been waiting for, your generation holds the promise of so many bright futures, if only you will open your minds to the possibilities and let your light shine.”

    Mrs. Museveni, whose daughters attended Namagunga Girls, noted how delighted she was whenever an opportunity arose for her to speak to young girls especially about HIV/AIDS.

    She advised the girls to be part of the youth that contributes to an HIV free generation. She thanked Mrs. Kagame for coming to Uganda and for creating an opportunity to visit Namagunga school.

    The First Ladies also toured the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara district the day before. The centre promotes regional understanding through cultural exchange.

    The centre consists of a cultural village and a museum that showcases the rich culture of Western Uganda.

    These activities were part of Mrs. Kagame’s 3-day private visit to Uganda. The First Ladies were accompanied by Ugandan Minister in the Office of the President, Mrs. Kabakumba Matsiko and Rwandan Minister of Gender Mrs. Aloisea Inyumba.
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  • Electricity: Rwanda targets 50% supply by 2017

    Rwanda is yet again going green by strengthening reliance on renewable energy resources by establishing a third Rusizi power plant. The power plant will have capacity of 145 mega watts that will contribute towards the goal of supplying electricity to fifty percent of all the homes countrywide by 2017.

    In a joint collaboration of countries under the CEPGL and the European investment bank, a convention was held at Serena hotel for the implementation of a treaty for the management of the Kivu lake and river Rusizi basin which will be setting up a framework for the cooperation allowing them to initiate The Rusizi 3 hydro electric power project.

    “Our country has embarked on a steadfast development road and it can only be sustained by availability and affordability of power” says Minister of natural resources, Stanislas Kamanzi “ at this stage the rate of accessibility is very low , our ambition is actually to increase so by 2017 we can increase the accessibility to 50 percent from 10 percent presently.”

    Rwanda which is currently producing 80 MW is aiming to be producing 1000 MW by 2017.The region around lake kivu is a very densely populated region desperately in need of electricity. This area comprises of eastern DRC, Burundi and Rwanda.

    Apart from the hydro power project,there are other projects under way that will help in preserving the environment and biodiversity around the lake as well as promoting agriculture and fishing among others.

    The project is estimated to cost US$785,000. The European union has shown substantial interest in funding this project but mobilisation of funds is still under process.The minister adds on.

    The Minister of environment and natural resources in DR Congo Jose Endundo, observed that despite the fact that implementation of similar projects had failed in the past, there was no need to be pessimistic and he encouraged political determination as well as proper cooperation between countries in the CEPGL for successful completion of the project.

    Rwanda government has taken a big commitment in bridging the energy gap by turning to alternative energy sources. Most of the population relies on wood as an energy source and represents around 93 % of energy consumption nationwide.

    With the prevailing rate of exploitation, wood resources will completely be exhausted by 2015. This will not only upset ecological balance but also economic stability including environmental pollution.

    With the setting up of the hydro power plant, Rwanda strengthens its mission to sustainable development.

  • People speakout on Family planning

    By: Dianah Mutimura

    Igihe.com Reporter Diana Mutimura talked to different people around Kigali city and recorded divergent views about the use of family planning methods.

    In Remera several married men understand and give value to the family planning methods because they believe that family planning initiatives help spacing children and according to respondents, this is healthy to both the child and mother.

    Mupenzi Ismail, the head of Remera mosque says that family planning methods are acceptable and even the Islam Quran advises to space children for at least two years of breast-feeding.

    However, he adds that the only problem of the family planning methods, is especially the women that misuse medications thus end up enduring the side effects. Otherwise the Islamic religion teaches followers to avoid anything that could affect their lives.

    He advises couples to opt for methods that would not bring conflicts to their homes. Mupenzi says he has been married for over 12 years and the couple have only four children who are healthy because they adhere to the family planning guidelines. Sometimes he uses a condom which he says has no side effects to their health.

    Mugabo Hassan, another married of islam faith and treasurer at Remera Mosque adds that using family planning methods is very important because he knew how great it was when the couple were able to space the birth to fifth child.

    He says his wife used to tell him to consider family planning to minimize the size of their family but he could not heed to her advice. But today all is well because they have embraced family planning methods.

    While some families may want many children, others may want only one or two. Certain families may choose not to have any children at all.

    Uwimana Eugenia, a married businesswoman at Remera market says that she and her husband decided they will have more children later and currently they use condoms.

    She says some people wonder how married couples can use condoms. But if it is for the good of the family and the communication between both makes them understand each other for the good of their health was well as better livelihood of their children, it is becomes one of the method which has no side effects at all.

    Many mothers like Uwimana say that family planning methods play a major role in strengthening their families.

    Mugabo Claria a mother of three who sells clothes at Remera market explains that all her children have a spacing of three years and she did that with the help of using contraceptive pills even if she would experience some challenges.

    She confesses that she cannot say that pills are 100% perfect but they are of great use to the married couples for spacing births. She advises young girls who are not yet married not to use them because they can affect their lives in future.

    Murekatete Jane, fruits seller and mother of 5children said that, she had arguments with her husband several times by trying to persuade him to consider family planning but the man would refuse fearing to risks involved.

    However, she explains, that as days went on he started understanding the importance of using family planning. Later he accompanied her to the health centre to have a coil fixed. She has since been using the coil for two years and sometimes he is the one to remind her to go back to the hospital.

    A gynecologist at Polyfam hospital at Remera who preferred to remain anonymous, says that ever since Rwanda embarked on teaching people the importance of family planning, women have managed to focus and appreciate the importance of family planning.

    Women can now have enough time to prepare for another child and that time is not wasted as they are involved with different income generation activities without hindrances related unplanned pregnancies.

    This doctor adds that at the Clinique they witness a number of women that seek for any family planning method and estimated 80% of women now understand the importance of family planning.

    Karemera Augustine, a pharmacist adds that many people now understand the meaning of family planning methods and especially the youth.

    He says their patients mostly are young boys and girls who come to buy pills and condoms for their safety from unwanted pregnancies and they no longer hear of many young girls being sent back home from school because of pregnancies, which shows how family planning methods have played a vital role in our country.

    However, social and cultural barriers in Rwanda make family planning a difficult package to sell. There cultural belief that children are a blessing from God. At traditional marriage ceremonies, newly married couples are urged to be fruitful, ‘may you have many sons and daughters’ is a regular blessing at many ceremonies.

    Majority of Catholic and born again churches do not support the use of family planning because the bible says that every couple should produce and multiply the world. God cannot judge you because of trying to figure out the world.

    Umutoni Christine a born-again convert believes that it is very important to use family planning methods because even God cannot punish you for that.

    She goes further to notes that, even if it were her she would use one but because she’s still single she can’t use them until the she get married.

    Niyomugabo Jean Bosco, 24 and a clothes retail seller at Remera market says he can never sleep with his girlfriend without using condom because he fears the risk of impregnating her when he isn’t yet prepared for cerebrating their marriage.

    He stresses he would rather use condoms because it protects both unwanted pregnancy and transmitted diseases like AIDS yet condoms do not have any side effect like other methods.

    Umurerwa Catherine says that she would rather use condom than pills because she believes she is too young to use other methods.

    It puts a positive twist on things by talking about the advantages of having smaller families in terms of improved health and education opportunities.

    In addition, family planning was seen as an essential way to reduce high levels of infant and maternal mortality, despite the fact that the interviewed did not accept the idea of vasectomy as method of family planning on the side of men.

  • Genocide Convict sentenced to life

    The Netherlands has for the first time tried and sentenced to life in prison Joseph Mpambara for the crimes of genocide committed in Rwanda in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

    Mpambara is the first Rwandan to be tried in the Netherlands for genocide crime and other crimes against humanity which were perpetrated against Tutsi and claimed over a Million lives within a short period of a hundred days.

    The Hague court in March 2009 found Joseph Mpambara guilty of ordering the murder of several Tutsi refugees. He was convicted to 20years in prison but he appealed aganist the verdict.

    Mpambara was also found guilty of torturing a German doctor, his Tutsi wife and their two months old son by threatening and detaining them at a roadblock on the bridge over the Kiboga River as they tried to flee the country.

    Mpambara was also charged with killing dozens of Tutsis who fled to the church complex of the Seventh-Day Adventists in Mugonero, as well as the rape of four women.

    But the judges said they found inconsistencies in the testimonies of five key witnesses linking Mpambara to the massacre.

    This ruling was confirmed by the head of the Genocide fugitive tracking unit Jean-Bosco Siboyintore who welcomed the decision.

    Siboyintore told journalists that the Rwandan prosecution had carried out investigations in Mugonero and gathered compelling evidence against Mpambara. Later he was indicted by the genocide fugitive tracking unit.

    Siboyintore said they expected the convicting verdict against the accused for he had even been previously sentenced to 20 years in prison by the first instance court in Netherlands.

    The decision at the time was appealed and court officials recorded implicating statements from 30 new witnesses.

    Source; ORINFOR

  • South Sudan: Big trading potential for EAC

    By:Randa Rugangazi

    The Republic of South Sudan is set to become the 55th African nation as of July 9 following the southern Sudanese referendum elections that enabled them secede from Khartoum government in January 2011.

    In 2005, a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between Southern Sudan People’s Liberation Army and the Khartoumgovernment. Five years later, the North failed to convince the South not to secede.

    The vote for secession was the result of years of oppression and neglect from the Khartoum government. Years of conflict between the two regions has led to the loss of life of an estimated 2 million people during the over 20 year’s armed conflict.

    South Sudan expressed interests in joining the East African Community. However, representatives of the East African regional bloc have only made statements that the EAC will consider South Sudan’s application after it is a sovereign state.

    South Sudan has gone as far as declaring English, the commonly used language across East Africa, as its official language.

    Kenyan and Rwandan heads of states earlier this year both invited South Sudan to join the East African Community.

    It is reported that 98 percent of South Sudan’s government budget is from oil revenue. Most of the South Sudan’s oil production goes through pipelines to the north to Port Sudan.

    The Khartoum government is set to charge the south hefty prices for oil transfer through their pipelines.

    There is a proposed oil pipeline from South Sudan to Kenya that seems like an unlikely project in the near future. Nevertheless, if the project were to see the light of day, it would alleviate the high prices countries within the region pay for imported oil, Rwanda included.

    However, the south Sudanese current government seems steadfast and committed to the project. Reuters reported of Toyota Kenya being contracted by the southern government to research the possibility of an oil pipeline to the Kenyan port of Lamu.

    The pipelines would be part of a regional corridor between the two countries that would also have railway, roads, and fibre optics.

    Arkangelo Okwang, South Sudan’s director general of energy, said the corridor would cost $1.5billion and would cover 1,400km.

    In addition to its oil wealth, South Sudan is reported to possess untapped gold, copper and iron ore. The new country possesses fertile lands, which for the most part wait to be exploited.

    Majority of the South Sudanese population are nomadic cattle herders. Much like in Rwanda, cattle in South Sudanese culture are a status symbol used to measure wealth.

    Traders from neighbouring Uganda and Kenya have shown lots of interest in South Sudan. The new market in South Sudan is attractive for EAC businesses. So far, the biggest companies operating in the newly formed republic are from Uganda and Kenya.

    Before any major economic developments can be made, the Juba government has a lot of work to do as far as building the necessary infrastructure from scratch. Most importantly for a resource-rich state, South Sudan will have to build efficient state institutions.

    This will guarantee that the country’s natural resource revenue is reinvested in the infrastructure.

  • Kigali Japanese restaurant,a must go place

    By: Supreetha Gubbala

    As I casually passed by the MTN Center located in Nyarutarama city suburb, something new, red and unfamiliar caught my eye. It was a chique sign pointed off the Kacyiru main road, and amazingly read, “Sakae Japanese Restaurant.” I could hardly believe my eyes. A Japanese restaurant in Kigali?

    It aroused a discussion with a good friend and long time Kigali resident, for me to realize that in fact, a new chef had arrived in town.

    Opening its doors on July 1st, the restaurant already boasted a nearly full restaurant upon my arrival on Wednesday night.

    Already salivating for the comforts of fresh sushi, restaurant owner Kang Su Lee greeted us warmly as we were seated and stared about in wonder.

    The restaurant exuded the peaceful atmosphere of Zen with a much more simple formula. Displaying white graceful paper lanterns hanging from the high timber ceiling, and two Tepanyaki tables, the first of their kind here in Rwanda the restaurant simply had me at “Hello.”

    As we excitedly flipped through the menu, we worried that perhaps like other restaurants attempts at sushi, the new Sakae may once again disappoint our fine tuned palates.

    Fresh and raw fish of the kinds often required by sushi such as salmon, tuna, octopus, eel and shrimp are often difficult to obtain fresh, daily in Rwanda. But as one does in love, we took the risk. And I must say, I think we may have found the one.

    Upon our first visit, we seated a table of four and ordered up a variety of Japanese sushi as well as Korean dishes.

    As we awaited our food anxiously, we were provided with a fresh cabbage, avocado and tomato salad drizzled with tangy peanut sauce vinaigrette.

    A perfect, light beginning to what preceded to be an equally satisfying meal.

    My specific dish was number 40 on the menu the “Crunchy Prawns Roll” , which accurately created a perfect combination of crunchy tempura coating and fresh avocado, shrimp and tuna.

    A close friend, ordered up the “Sakae Sushi Set”, after which she proceeded to order more pieces of the octopus and salmon sushi that were particularly good. The set contains 8 Chef recommended pieces of sushi, and 2 pieces of the special roll.

    As she excitedly reveled in finally being able to eat good sushi in Rwanda, she pointed out: “I wouldn’t have dreamt of a Japanese restaurant in Rwanda but… here it is. The food is amazing, the service great and the atmosphere is simple yet beautiful.”

    Other dishes ordered include the owner’s specialty and the sweet surprise of the menu: Korean food — Customer number 3 ordered up tempura-fried pork with a sweet sauce and rice. A long description short, he patted his stomach and sighed in sweet satisfaction at a readily emptied plate.

    His wife, ordered up the well-known “Teriyaki Chicken” which also arrived with rice, which is a nice plus compared to the separate orders of rice required at neighboring restaurant, Zen. Her first experience with Japanese food proved to begin at a good place.

    Midway through our meal, the owner brought out a complimentary platter of Gyoza, pan-fried dumplings that come with pork or mixed vegetables. Lucky for us, it turned out to be one of our favorite dishes for the night.

    Upon our second dinner at Sakae on Thursday, the warm and friendly owner, opened up as to how he came to open up the first Japanese restaurant here in Rwanda.

    “I had a friend in Kigali who said come see Rwanda, because I was opening up in Nairobi another restaurant, but Nairobi has a lot of problems. There are no many restaurants, no good restaurants actually, especially Japanese/Korean they seem to have none,”

    Lee praised Rwanda for its peaceful atmosphere and intimated that when he came here it really was not expected to be in Kigali. He was just acquainting himself with all the problems, but now it is completely different, it is a like a new country. “It’s truly amazing…”

    Kang is Korean and had previously been living in Nairobi for over 23 years. He holds much experience in the restaurant business. In fact, his former Chinese restaurant now run by his brother is the biggest in Nairobi.

    Kang and his wife have been in the restaurant business for years, and his wife has personally trained many of the current chefs at Sakae.

    “Most people know Japanese, but those who have tasted Korean love it. That’s why you see all those working at the Japanese embassy, here eating the Korean food,” Lee told Igihe laughing.

    When asked his favorite dish on his menu, Lee recommended the new Tepanyaki table to customers. “Tepanyaki is my favorite. Also because it’s the first ever in Rwanda!” he excitedly told Igihe.com. Tepanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food.

    The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled, broiled or pan-fried.

    Modern teppanyaki grills are typically propane-heated flat surface grills, and are widely used to cook the food in front of guests as they eat as a form of entertainment and fresh cooking.

    Customers excitedly munching away Thursday night could hardly contain their praise for the new restaurant. The cars have already filled up the entire restaurant lot, and we were lucky to find one of the few spots left.

    Candy Basomingera, a local Kimihurura resident commented, Definitely my new favorite restaurant in Kigali. A big thank you to the Owner for this truly Asian experience.”

    The new restaurant is located in Nyuratarama near Gishushu and is open Monday through Saturday 11:30pm-3pm for lunch and6pm-11pm for dinner. Head over for a seriously, good Japanese-Korean experience.

  • ‘Iam not used by govt’-Burasa

    The recently beaten journalist Jean Gualbert Burasa who is also the chief editor of Rushyashya newspaper has denounced rumors that he is being used by the ruling party (RPF) or the government to discredit his assaulter Paul Ruhamyambuga the landlord of City-Plaza building.

    Burasa gave the remarks in a press conference amidst members of the Forum of Private Papers (FPN), he further stressed that he is an independent and professional journalist therefore there’s no way he could have been involved in politics.

    The journalist alleges that one of the sympathizers to Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya that fled the country assaulted him. Burasa also rejects allegations that he reported the matter to police in favor of the government.

    In our earlier story of the assault, Burasa claimed that he was attacked by Ruhamyambuga friends in a bar, it is still unclear whether the arguments were under the influence of alcohol or it was planned. So far he has filed a complaint to the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Media High Council MHC.

    Reacting on the matter, Patrice Mulama the MHC executive secretary council noted that investigations were still underway. He further condemned attacks towards journalists especially those who are on duty.

  • MININFRA, RDB in conflict over Nyungwe road

    RDB’s environmental specialists at Nyungwe National Park are in fear of environmental and natural resource destruction with in the park that may be a result from the ongoing process of a 32km road rehabilitation from Pindura, a junction at the main road within the park connecting to Bweyeye Sector at the Burundi boarder. It is meant to be widened up to 7 meters.

    The road construction had been put to halt for almost two years due to misunderstandings between road contactors under the supervision by MININFRA and the park’s management authority that is under Rwanda Development Board.

    Speaking to igihe.com at Bweyeye Sector, Patrice Nzamuye who is in charge of Nyungwe NP protection and Law Enforcement Warden noted; “As you can see yourself, there will be a lot of negative consequences affecting natural resources. For example the falling debris and degradation will contaminate the river tributaries; there will be cutting down of trees, querying murram within the park among others which is really against the law of conserving environment.”

    He says that he is not opposing the road rehabilitation that will be helpful to many people living in the area. Instead there should be a clear study and also collaboration between the two parties so that the eco-system in the park is not much affected.

    It’s the only biggest natural forest that has high mountains in the whole of Africa and thus careful construction and study on the project’s impact onto the park ecosystem be made.

    “The Ministry of Infrastructure should cooperate with environmentalists and formulate possible ways of rehabilitating this road as expected. We even direct them to other areas outside the park where murram can be got in case they approach us,” Nzamuye said.

    Fidele Ruziganderwe who does Monitoring and Evaluation at the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Society said; “The National Park is so important not only to our country but also the whole world in terms of preserving ecosystem, promoting tourism sector among others and incase of continued destruction, there will be a big loss to our country and the world in general.”

    According to him; 70% of the Rwanda’s natural water has its source at Nyungwe NP and also that if contaminated, it will pose a big risk.

    Juvenal Harerimana a resident of Bweyeye sector in Rusizi district urged; “government should help us and make this road finished because the transport here is a big challenge to all of us as the residents of this area.”
    “Two heads are better than one, so let leaders from the two parties heed to our plea so that the problem can get rectified because both the road and the NP are all important to us,” Harerimana added.

    For a person to walk from Pindura to Bweyeye it takes over 7hrs, riding bicycles takes approximately 3hrs and hiring a motorcycle costs Rwf7000, while one using a car, the 32kms takes almost 2hrs drive.

    “Our produces are not accessed to the market just because of this ditched road and sometimes, one to go to Cyangugu has to pass through Burindi and then connect there, which is also difficult to those people that do not have boarder pass permits,” Jean Pierre Twagirayezu told igihe.com.

    Bweyeye Sector officials attribute that, as the Minister of Natural Resources Stanislas Kamanzi had confirmed earlier; the road construction should be done and materials like murram should be got from the national park.

    “We recognize the importance of the two and are all necessary but then after the road construction, there can be rehabilitation on the destroyed resources like replanting of trees by both the road contractors and also village citizens, through communal work and we can make it happen. Like the Minister said, all materials should be got from the park,” Joseph Rusaya, the Executive Secretary Bweyeye sector in Rusizi district.

    What does the top brass officials from two parties attribute towards the saga?
    Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General REMA comments; “We are not against Rwanda’s development but we also have to protect natural resources and ensure the sustainable management. Its over 60% of the rain we receive in Rwanda that come from Nyungwe and that’s why we have to manage it carefully as Rwanda’s heart.”

    “During the meeting with MININFRA, we had agreed to go to this area together and find well established sites where to get murram and after they were supposed to show environmental management plan to us but when the team went there, MININFRA’s technical team did not come into agreement with us just because they don’t want to comply with us,” Mukankomeje added.

    “For us we don’t want conflicts with MININFRA because the road is also for our people but we need a well defined policy over the project with a clear document presented,” she pointed out.

    MININFRA’s Minister of State in charge of Transport noted; “For us we followed procedures as were required and we even came into agreement that materials for the road project should come from within the park. In charge people for environment should conduct training to the road contractors upon the environment policy instead of stopping the road construction.”

    Speaking to the MINIRENA’s Minister is still futile but we shall keep you updated upon the issue.

    What does the law say about the issue?
    According to the organic law n. 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 that determines the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda; article no. 29 says that no competent authority, in accordance with the existing laws, can issue permission for the construction in cases where such constructions may degregade the environment

    Article 31 says; every government project or private individual activities can not be permitted to operate if they are contrary to their plan and shall aim at considering the strategies of conservation of environment as provided by the law.
    To be continued…