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Immigrants at Gihembe refugee camp have claimed they are delayed and kept for long time at the verification hall where the ongoing re-registration exercise is taking place.

They have claimed that they are left to wait with their children and wives and no one is left back home to prepare meals for them and some also stay in the hall for a week or more.

Jean Nsengiyera the camp president confirmed the allegations saying that the whole family is asked to be in the hall and children go hungry since no one remains back to prepare their meals.

However, Nsengiyera did not confirm his colleagues’ allegations that some refugees spend between one day and a week in the verification hall.

“We have children that go there and spend the whole day with their mothers who cannot cook for them while attending the re-registration exercise, we have had several meetings with them showing our grievances and we are wait to see a change,” Nsengiyera told igihe.com in the camp.

Anouck Bronée External Relations Officer at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says parents at Gihembe camp decided to make their own choice to bring their children at the verification hall where the re-registration is commencing.

“Indeed sometimes the process takes longer. Refugees are summoned in the morning and the exercise takes several hours, that one I will not deny.

However, we have a plan that they should not bring their children, that they should leave their children at school and their children will be registered separately,” Bronee told igihe.com.

“It is a parents’ choice to bring their children. We have advised them not to but they prefer to bring their children…I don’t know why they want to bring their children with them. You should know that UNHCR has advised that the children remain at school,” Bronee explained.

Perturbed by the allegations, Bronee also emphasised, “No refugee stays overnight in the verification hall, I want to confirm that and to make that very clear, it is a misrepresentation on behalf the refugees”.

According to Bronee the objective of the re-registration exercise is for UNHCR and its partners to obtain accurate information on refugees other than fears in the camp that the refugees were going to be relocated.

“We work now on the assumption that we have about 56000 refugees in Rwanda but it may be that we have much less than that so every three-four years UNHCR and its partners embark on this exercise to update our data. To know how we can help them better, there is no relocation involved whatsoever,” Bronee cleared the air.

Bronee said that the verification exercise has so far admitted at least 12289 refugees (meaning they have not yet completed all stages of the re-registration exercise), 7419 refugees have completed all stages of the re-registration exercise.

The exercise involves obtaining numbers of refugees, biometric, information on families, and photographs compiling information related to every individual.

The exercise will also be extended to other refugee camps of Kiziba and Nyabiheke camps in Karongi and Northern Province respectively.

It is expected that the whole exercise will be completed by the end of this year while Gihembe camp alone is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

“You know its work in progress, we may be delayed or we may increase our pace, it is not a confirmed dates, it is a projection,” Bronee said.

As you move around the city, there are a number of construction activities especially buildings but the question that lingers in the minds of policy makers and urban planners are how to sustain the development.

The second National Urban Forum tried to address some of the key factors that would enhance sustainability of the urban development activities and much emphasis was put on lowering the cost of construction with an aim of having affordable decent houses.

Yet with ongoing implementation of the Kigali master plan then, it was revealed that a lot of money was being spent in importing construction materials.

Donna Rubinoff, the Kigali City director of urban planning and One Stop Centre emphasized on the use of local materials which were affordable.

“In taxi parks for instance there’re should be solar lights which should reduce on the cost of electricity.” She advised.

Rubinoff was also backed by participant who is an engineer. “we can also use Agro stone which is a block made of manure and other farm waste, yet stone doesn’t require a lot of technology, magnesium phosphate for instance a kilo costs Frw 1,200 which can make 78 blocks another material is larva from volcanic mountains which is available in Rwanda’s Virunga mountains.

“We have all the materials what’s delaying us? Look at Ethiopia they ’re doing well this kind of stone,” said the engineer.

In this respect, Rubinoff insists that there’re should be a research institute in the country meant to indentify some of the local construction materials which facilitate affordable housing.

However, a complaint from participants criticized the breakdown of hydro-foam machine which was used to make bricks.

“Even the research should also focus on the use of some construction machines and find if it’s really applicable, I worry that those brick-making machines might have broken down due to either lack of competence from users or poor materials.”

She also added that there was a need for the government to develop infrastructure before people settle in a specific area.

“This would promote orderly construction of houses since there’re roads that divide the plots and both electricity and water channels would also facilitate building activities, without this it can lead to slums and poor road network in the neighborhood,” she remarked.

The sewage system on the other hand is an issue affecting most urban dwellers where waste is disposed in a disorderly manner yet when it’s managed efficiently it can be recycled thus promoting the economy.

In Kenya for instance waste from toilets is purified to clean safe water while urine is mostly used to make fertilizer.

What’s more, the Kigali One Stop Construction Centre wants to network its services with district offices, with the aim of enhancing speedy issuing of licenses to those willing to construct houses.

“Indeed we have a lot of people queuing at our head offices and I hope the system will improve how we deliver our services,” Rubinoff remarked.

There is also need for better transportation routes with ample pedestrian paths. Oswald Tuyizere the African Regional Officer of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities urged the city planners to design pedestrian paths which are comfortable to disabled people.

“Most of the buildings in the city are not accessible to people living with disabilities, like this Lemigo hotel we’re having this meeting, it’s not at all friendly to those using wheel chairs for instance kindly take note of my concerns.” He pointed out.

In an earlier interview with the director of National Housing Corporation (NHC) Esther Mutamba, she revealed that there are plans to improve affordable decent houses.

“It’s true we want all citizens to live in well-constructed houses that’s why we’re devising ways to ease building costs to our investors in order to have affordable houses to all”.

However, people should not be excited since currently the government doesn’t have enough money to start constructing descent houses all over the country.

“It’s still a challenge since we don’t have enough finances now that’s why we’re encouraging financial institutions to prolong the repayment period to those who have acquired mortgages,” Mutamba said.

Kigali Institute of Management (KIM) has today Sept 23, graced its first graduation ceremony where 289 students including pioneers of the institute graduated in an event held at institution premises.

In his remarks, Peter Rutaremara the Chairman Board of Directors said; “KIM is celebrating its first graduation ceremony 6 years after its establishment.

“What we are witnessing today is indeed a turning point in the history of the university and justification for the celebrations,” said Rutaremara.

This comes after the institution was awarded a University Charter by the government of Rwanda on recommendation of Higher Education Council on May 11, 2011.

He also said that the 289 grandaunts are well qualified to compete in the working industry whether in Rwanda, in the region and beyond.

Hon. Damien Pierre Habumuremyi, the Minister of Education and the Institution’s Chancellor in his messages to the grandaunts recommended the success in attaining the Degree of Bachelor of Business management.

“This is one of the rewards for your diligent pursuit of your country. The qualification you attain today is the key to the many doors of opportunities that you are to unlock for yourself and for the nation,” Habumuremyi said in remarks.

Among other grandaunts, Josephine Muhongerwa who got the Second Lower Class Degree pointed out that: “As a graduate from KIM, I am happy to reach this special day and to have achieved my goal.”

She Applauded KIM management saying it produces professionals in accounts and finance and that for that matter she will be able to compete favorably on the job market.

Kigali Institute of Management was established in 2005 as an offshoot of the International College of Accountancy and Management (ICAM) which was founded in 2003.

The college (KIM) is a direct response to the country dire need for highly qualified multi-skilled professionals in the fields of business, management and information technology in Rwanda and beyond.

At around noon the recent inaugurated Boeing 737-800 spread its wings to
BUJUMBURA the capital of Burundi for the first time.

The Burundian minister in charge of transportation Kibaya expressed joy as the Boeing touched down at the airport (Aéroport international de Bujumbura).

“I am thankful to the Rwandan government because flights between Bujumbura and Kigali are going to be the catalyst to development in the region especially in the trade sector”

Apart from easing the movement between Kigali and Bujumbura these flights are going to broaden trade in the EAC region and Africa.
Patrick Nkulikiyimfura represented Rwandair CEO.

Nkulikiyimfura explained the specialty of this plane compared to other planes noting that the plane is fast and has a high passenger capacity as compared to other planes they are used to.

“The plane you see before you has a capacity of carrying 154 passengers and can fly non-stop for long distances, and its prices are fair compared to other air companies in the airline business.”

Nkulikiyimfura said that the plane will facilitate Burundians travelling to places they have never traveled to including; India and Johannesburg in South Africa and above all these places will be reached right from Bujumbura other than the usual process where they had to pass several airports before getting to their final destinations.

Reporters questioned whether other airline companies operating in Bujumbura will not lose market due to the introduction of Rwandair carrier but Nkulikiyimfura calmed their fears saying,“We shall continue working normally”.

The boeing 737-800 will be travelling to 13 destinations in africa including; Bujumbura, Dar-es- Salaam and Arusha Tanzania, Entebbe in Uganda, Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, Leo mba in Congo Brazzaville, Libreville in Gabon, Luxemburg, Johannesburg and Dubai all at affordable prices.

On Thursday 22nd September 2011, day 13 of Victoire Ingabire and her co-accusers’ case resumed with hearings of Maj. Vital Uwumuremyi.

Maj. Uwumuremyi is charged with belonging to a terrorist group, participation in attacks of conspiracy against the government of Rwanda and creation of an armed militia aimed at undermining national security.

He pleaded guilty to the crimes and requested for clemency to the government of Rwanda. He added that he committed those crimes unknowingly because he did not know that FDLR was a terrorist group instead of a political party.

Uwumuremyi told court that he got arrested by the Congolese intelligence and brought back to Rwanda and got into the training camps where he got demobilized and rehabilitated. But he continued contacts with FDLR and Ingabire’s FDU.

During his defense, Maj. Uwumuremyi told court that he was the mastermind of the idea of working with Ingabire and then told that to Lt. Col. Tharcisse Nditurende who was his battalion commander.

Nditurende agreed and contributed to sensitize other in his battalion and Ingabire used to send some money by which Uwumuremyi cleared to court that he used it to by weapons for the new born militia which was an armed wing to FDU.

The reason he advances which led him and others to withdraw from FDLR was that they were no longer following their concern.

Therefore, they withdrew from FDLR and formed FDU armed wing with the main objective of taking over power in Rwanda and create insecurity that would force government of Rwanda into talks.

Uwumuremyi agreed to have participated in an attack whose purpose was to seal off the Ruhengeri–Gisenyi road but they failed to the Rwandan army and retreated to Nyamuragira volcano in Congo.

After his repatriation to Rwanda and getting rehabilitated, Uwumuremyi continued working with Ingabire and together with a man called Phocas that helped to find a house for her when she got in Rwanda.

When in the country, he stayed close to Ingabire and helped driving her in different party’s agenda.

The court resumes on this Friday and Uwumuremyi will continue explaining his actions together with terrorist group and Ingabire will have the opportunity to defend herself for the charges against her.

A fuel tanker loaded with petrol from Tanzania on its way to DRC yesterday burst into flames in an accident that killed the driver. This happened at the famous “Mukobwa mwiza” corner a few kilometers to Huye district.

Eyes witness narrated that immediately after it hit the ground, fire burst from the fuel tank resulting from the collision of the gallons.

The co-driver managed to escape the blast and immediately rushed to CHUB for treatment but efforts to save Issa the truck driver were unsuccessful as the fires spread quickly killing him instantly.

Despite the recent efforts by authorities to warn drivers on the dangerous sharp turn by use of signposts just 5meters away from the dark spot, most drivers still insist that the corner is very dangerous and sharp a reason to why long trucks occasionally get into accidents at the point.

Flames extend to the rice plantations destroying a large part of the harvest.

President Paul Kagame has argued leaders of countries faced in political conflicts to resolve their misunderstandings amicably while addressing the 66th UN General Assembly meeting of September 21.

During his speech, President Paul Kagame called on members of the United Nations to take individual responsibility for the achievement of sustainable development while creating conducive conditions for the more stable world.

Under the theme “The need for world leaders to deliver on the promise of sustainable development” the opening of the General Assembly coinciding with the World Peace Day and president Kagame said, though conflicts become nature in the world today, they are affecting the neighboring countries and the rest of the world.

He further said, the most effective way to achieve peace is through the empowerment of citizens, especially the youth to give them access to opportunities which are limited or exclusive making it the problem that should be solved as a global community with commitment.

“The most viable option for preventing conflict is to empower our citizens economically, politically and socially, especially the youth…they are the thought leaders not only of tomorrow but right now…it is our responsibility to empower them to believe in themselves and a better future,”Kagame addresses the general Assembly

It’s important to involve regional players who have tangible knowledge and recognize regional dynamics in the mediation effort and such organizations should be supported, he added

President Kagame further said, “We have the right to encourage youth to believe in what they have for the better future for negotiations and reconciliation and this is not to African or Rwanda only”

“Long lasting solutions emanate from within…external mediation experts, even with good intentions, do not often bring change at the root level,” Kagame said.

Traditional mediation should get involved in the land of conflict areas “Mediation needs to be based on bringing conflicting parties to resolve differences not on imposing solutions in the interest of the mediators.” He urged the participants

Rwanda has won Future Policy Award 2011 owing to the National Forest Policy that was introduced in 2004 and reviewed in 20110, thus becoming the world’s most distinguished and innovative forest policy.

The United Nations-backed awards were announced September 21 by the World Future Council (WFC) at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.

Rwanda’s forest policy became the best of the three winning policies that focus and contribute to the conservation and sustainable development of forests which benefits present and future generations.

WFC Director Alexandra Wandel said while announcing the gold medal for the country’s national forest policy that: “Despite the genocide and continuing population and land pressures, Rwanda is one of only three countries in Central and Western Africa to achieve a major reversal in the trend of declining forest cover and is on course to achieving its goal of forest cover of 30 per cent of total land area by the year 2020.

“The Government of Rwanda has taken a lead in developing visionary forest policy but also bio-diversity conservation, ecotourism and green jobs.”Wandel stressed.

The event brought the former United States track and field star Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold winner and now UN Goodwill Ambassador.

The event also brought Mr. Lewis, a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) who in his sporting career won 10 Olympic medals, nine of them gold, and 10 World Championships medals, eight of them gold.

In his remarks he said, “I kind of know about awards, I’ve had a few myself and I think it’s much more important that we talk about this award because it affects everyone.

“It talks about reforestation and overcoming hunger. So I’m delighted to make the Future Policy Award more well-known and to carry out some of the inspiriting energy of the Olympic spirit that I’ve had in the past” said Lewis.

The Director of the Secretariat of the UN Forum on Forests, Jan McAlpine, illustrated that the awards come ‘at a really critical time’ because of the slump in the economy, the needs of dealing with development goals and the complexity of dealing with natural resources and adverse impact of unsustainable exploitation on climate, biodiversity and livelihoods.

The annual awards celebrate policies that create better living conditions for current and future generations, and seek to raise global awareness and speed up action towards just, sustainable and peaceful societies.

This year’s topic was forests, with 16 entries from 20 countries, and the announcements took place under the sponsorship of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Forest cover has increased by 37 per cent since 1990, massive reforestation and planting that promote indigenous species and involve the local population have been undertaken, and new measures such as agro-forestry and education have been implemented.

One silver award went to the US Lacey Act amendment of 2008 which prohibits all trade in wood and plant products that are knowingly illegally sourced from a US state or any foreign country, forcing importers to take responsibility for their wood products.

The second silver went to Gambia’s Community Forestry Policy, put in place with FAO support, the first in Africa to provide local populations with secure and permanent forest ownership rights.

Transferring forest tenure from state ownership to management by local communities enables them to reduce illegal logging and forest fires, slow desertification and benefit from the forest products.

The Permanent Secretary in the Minisrty of Health Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana has said that most of diseases in Rwanda come from poor hygiene and malaria.

The ministry official was speaking to the press at the an annual meeting with all health personnel from all health centers in Rwanda.

The meeting which aims at assessing what has been achieved, improving quality in health sector, fighting against diseases and infrastructural development also attracts partners in health sector.

”Most of these were achieved at a considerable point including centralizing health centers and medical insurance,” added Dr. Ndagijimana.

Dr. Ndagijimana says the existing plan in the Ministry is to prevent diseases other than treating them.

“We are also focusing on capacity building for doctors and medical staff in order to fight these diseases even though there is a considerable improvement,” Dr Ndagijimana added.

Several heads of health centers igihe.com approached were reluctant to comment on barriers in their profession at their respective health facilities.

This Wednesday at the parliamentary building, the general assembly of the chambers of deputies adopted the draft law regulating Road Networks in Rwanda.

The draft law regulating road networks, regulates boundaries of the road, categories of the road and how they will be maintained.

The draft law provides for different road categories; state roads, District and Kigali City Roads and any other place considered as a town and private roads, as stated in the draft law.

State roads include highways connecting Rwanda and neighboring countries,district and Kigali city roads, are roads connecting districts enabling tourists to reach other areas and other gazetted places.

Its provided in the draft law that the state roads, district and Kigali city road boundaries will be implemented on both sides of the road after six months after implementation of the law.

However, regarding the expropriation of residents along such roads, its planned that, during the construction of state roads, Kigali city and district roads , the process has to be conducted according to the law governing expropriation inline with general interest of the public.