The cooperative was comprised of members who contributed Rwf25,000 to launch a simple cassava processing plant which later closed under unclear circumstances.
The problems were revealed in discussions organized by Pax Press, a network of journalists promoting peace, human rights, and democracy in Rwanda, and brought together authorities and residents.
Authorities urged the residents to be vigilant in controlling the functioning of the cooperative and not to withstand anyone that puts their resources to waste.
Elina Mukankusi, one of the farmers and member of the cooperative said; “The plant is not functional yet on its commencement, we were required to pay Rwf25,000 for membership. We don’t know how the closure came about.”
Jeannette Akingeneye, also a cooperative said that the problem they have been facing is that the plant closed when those who had supplied it with cassava had not been paid yet.
“They don’t know when they will get their money and who will pay them. We asked about it and they told us that the cooperative manager went missing.”
Urugangazi new manager Jean Marie Vianney Munan also confirms that the first manager went missing.
“We used to pay the residents who supplied cassava in groups. No one would supply cassava on their own. So, no group complained that any of its members were not paid. Those who have the problem may ask about in their respective groups. We received no problem from anyone that wasn’t paid.” He explained.
Nyanza District Mayor, Erasme Ntazinda urged residents not to close their eyes while their assets are not well managed.
“There are things that we have just known such as a group whose members say that they have not been paid yet, and we are going to follow up that problem. I once again remind residents, cooperative members not to wait until things get worse and complain. We urge them to follow up the functioning of the cooperative they belong to on a daily basis,” he said.
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