Members of EALA today returned to Kanyinya sector in Nyarugenge District in Kigali City environs, to distribute over 300 pieces of iron sheets as part of their contribution to the eradication of grass thatched (Nyakatsi) houses in Rwanda.
Two weeks ago on March 26, 2011, EALA Members participated in the anti-Nyakatsi drive in Kanyinya area during the Community work (Umuganda) where President Paul Kagame joined the Members in building the houses.
Today’s donation of iron sheets was an undertaking by EALA Members when they held separate talks with President Paul Kagame in State House, (Village Urugwiro) on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. The iron sheets come in handy and shall assist in roofing ten houses according to the Mayor of Nyarugenge District, Kigali, Ms. Solange Mukasonga.
Delivering EALA’s message at the handing over ceremony on behalf of the Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi, the Speaker of EALA, Hon Sebtuu Nassor, EALA MP, noted that shelter was a critical and basic right for all. She lauded the government of Rwanda for the initiative adding that it was a scheme worthy of emulation in the rest of the Partner States.
“We as EALA are privileged to have been part of the scheme to eradicate the grass thatched houses. We are elated that the government hopes to have no more Nyakatsi houses by next month” Hon Nassor noted.
EALA took the opportunity to launch its 10th Anniversary celebrations by engaging in construction of housing as a means of both outreach and corporate social responsibility and participation in Rwanda’s campaign to eradicate the grass-thatched houses (Nyakatsi).
The government of Rwanda is committed to ensuring Rwanda eradicates the grass thatched houses. The ambitious plan has seen the government work closely with the communities through cost sharing. Present at the function today was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Rwanda, Mr. Robert Ssali and officials of the Ministry of Local Government in Rwanda.
The house building projects shall continue as part of Umuganda until May this year. According to the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, Kigali had about 1559 people living in grass thatched houses before the anti-Nyakatsi drive started. Now, 1093 houses have been constructed with another 400 expected to be completed shortly.
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For more Information, contact: Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer; East African Legislative Assembly; Tel: +255-27-2508240 Cell: +255 787 870945, +254-733-718036; Email: bodiko@eachq.org Web: https://www.eala.org Arusha, Tanzania
