Mupenzi and Vice-Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, Didace Kayitare and that of Social Affairs Domithille Musabyemariya tendered in their resignation letters yesterday citing personal reasons.
In a meeting on Thursday, the council led by the Chairperson, Chantal Atukunda elected Niyonzima with 22 votes of 25 total voters.
Niyonzima requested contribution from District staff to support his ambition of continuing to develop the district as well as solving people’s problems.
The trio are the Mayor, Eugene Muzuka, Cyprien Mutwarasibo and Christine Niwemugeni vice-mayor for economic development and vice-mayor for social affairs respectively.
The Chairperson of Huye District Council, Dr. Jean Chrisostome Ngabitsinze told IGIHE that on Thursday morning, they convened a council meeting aimed at evaluating problems in the district where members of the Executive Committee failed to explain the non-performing projects which led to their dismissal.
“We asked them to defend themselves about the implementation of council decisions, the Office of the Auditor General’s report and other projects implemented in Huye District. Sometime you think that they are forced to resign, but, we dismissed them,” he explained.
He said that the trio did not perform well on council decisions but instead, worked individually.
“They also prepared and sent a report to Parliament’s Public Account Committee (PAC) which was not communicated to the council. That is a mistake, they should have communicated to us,” he added.
He said that the district had separately appeared in Auditor General’s reports with same queries.
“We requested them to end non-performing projects issues, they failed and weren’t capable of explaining,” he added.
He said that the District reports falsified numbers and has no good plan to help people graduate from poverty.
Huye District Executive Dismissal follows separate resignations and dismissals in districts of Ruhango, Nyabihu, Rusizi, Gicumbi, Bugesera and Nyagatare.
The new law amends that of 2003 about punishing corrupt behaviours and related crimes which had loopholes and hampered punishment.
The Chairperson of Public Account Committee (PAC), Juvenal Nkusi explained that some of the unique attributes in the new law is that the convicts , especially leaders and judges will face stringent punishments.
“When they are leaders, they will be given stringent punishment, and when they are judges they will be handed more years,” he noted.
He said that the person who will be found guilty of corruption, will face over five-year sentence and no Primary Courts will try such cases, only triable in Intermediate Courts.
Article one of the draft law on fighting against corruption stipulates that this Law aims at preventing and punishing corruption in public organs, private institutions, civil society and international organizations operating or wishing to operate in Rwanda.
{{About punishments}}
The article four of the Punishment of corruption says that any person who solicits or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his/her mandate or uses his/her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years and not more seven (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value in Rwandan francs of the illegal benefit received.
Penalties provided under Paragraph 2 of this Article apply to a person who offers or promises to offer a benefit, by any means, an illegal benefit for him/ herself or another person to have a service rendered or omitted.
If acts referred to in Paragraph One and 3 of this Article are committed in order to perform an act contrary to law, the penalty is imprisonment for a term of more than seven (7) years and not more than ten (10) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value in Rwandan francs of the illegal benefit received or offered.
The article five of the law says that Any judge or arbitrator who receives or solicits an illegal benefit, commits an offence.
When convicted, he/she is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years but not exceeding twelve (12) years and a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value in Rwandan francs of the illegal benefit solicited.
Any court registrar, prosecutor, assistant to prosecutor, advocate, State attorney in court, professional bailiff, a court judgement review officer, judicial police officer or person summoned as expert in court , an officer from Access to Justice Bureau who solicits or receives or accepts to receive a bribe or promise thereof as a condition for accomplishing his/her responsibilities or in order to refrain from carrying out any usual duty or exert an influence resulting in a decision contrary to the law, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than seven (7) years and not more than ten (10) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value in Rwandan francs of the illegal benefit received, accepted or was promised.
Zidane revealed his decision in a hastily-arranged press conference in the Spanish capital on Thursday. President Florentino Perez appeared alongside him and revealed it was an “unexpected decision”.
“I have taken the decision not to continue next year,” Zidane told the media.
” This is the right moment for everyone, it might seem a bit strange, but it had to be done for the good of everyone, the players, the club, and myself. This team must keep winning, and it needs a change after three years, another voice, another method of working.”
“I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams. But everything changes and that’s why I’ve taken the decision to leave.”
Zidane took over at Real Madrid following the sacking of Rafa Benitez in January 2016 and won three successive Champions League titles, as well as the Liga title in 2016-17.
The Frenchman also lead Madrid to back-to-back European Super Cups and Club World Cups in 2016 and 2017.
In written answers to MPs’ questions, Sigrid said “The choice for Arsenal is up to Rwanda itself. The Premier League obviously has a global reach and is followed by hundreds of millions of people every week. Arsenal itself has official supporters’ associations all over the world, 23 of which are in Africa and one in Rwanda.”
Dutch MPs had written to Sigrid last week asking her to look into the recent sponsorship deal signed between Rwanda and English football club Arsenal, tasking her on explaining why a country which receives so much aid from the Netherlands is able to invest in sponsoring the Arsenal’s shirts.
On this question, Minister Sigrid has answered, “The Netherlands understands that Rwanda, as part of a broader development strategy, wants to further develop its tourism industry and that promotion and marketing are part of this.”
She added that The Netherlands continues to enter into a dialogue with Rwanda about the development of the country in order to support Rwanda in its own objective of becoming independent of aid.
{Below are full excerpts of Sigrid’s answers to MPs’ questions:}
{{Are you familiar with the message “Rwanda becomes new shirt sponsor of Arsenal”? }}
On 24 May last week, I heard about the Rwandan decision via media reports and tweets from a few questioners.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government agency responsible for attracting investments and promoting tourism, has signed a three-year partnership with the British football club Arsenal. In a press statement on 29 May, the RDB explained that the partnership is part of a broader strategy to double income from tourism in 2024 to USD 800 million. In addition to shirt sponsorship, players from various Arsenal teams will visit Rwanda within this partnership. Arsenal coaches will also develop various football activities for Rwandan youths.
{{Is it true that the Rwandan government is going to pay about $ 40 million to Arsenal football club in exchange for marketing for the country?}}
The Rwanda Development Board has not made any statements about the costs associated with this partnership.
{{Are you still of the opinion that, as you describe it on your website, countries like Rwanda “cannot effectively combat poverty without help”? }}
On 19 September 2016, your House was informed about the decision to add Rwanda to the so-called category of transitional countries (Parliamentary Papers 33635, no. 226).
In countries with a transition relationship, the aim is to gradually phase out bilateral aid, from the perspective of a relationship based more on mutual interests in trade, investment and political cooperation. The aid will be phased out in the coming years.
Rwanda is still a Least Developed Country with a limited economic base and socio-economic development, but it has the desire to become more aid-independent. This commitment is in line with the greater role for trade and investments that the Netherlands is striving for in the relationship with Rwanda. The idea to broaden the relationship with the Netherlands was emphatically welcomed by Rwanda. Our commitment is in line with a broader international development. In the report of the World Bank “Doing Business 2018” Rwanda rose 15 places on the world ranking list of best countries to do business, putting the country in the second place of the African continent.
{{Is it also correct that, according to your new memorandum “Investing in Perspective – Good for the World, Good for the Netherlands”, you intend to continue the development relationship with Rwanda, which includes central humanitarian aid and poverty reduction? Can you indicate how much the Ministry intends to invest in Rwanda in 2018? How big was this amount in 2017?}}
The government wants to continue the above-described transition relationship with Rwanda. In Rwanda, the Netherlands focuses on the food security, water and safety and legal order sectors. In addition, the Netherlands invests in private sector development. In 2017, the Netherlands invested € 42.5 million in Rwanda through the Dutch embassy. In 2018, the Netherlands intends to continue this commitment for the time being.
At the same time, the Netherlands intends to optimize the trade links with the country. For example, the government sees opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs in the horticulture sector, a rapidly growing sector in Rwanda.
{{How do you rhyme this news with your analysis of the aid dependency of Rwanda? Do you see a reason to approach Rwanda at this step, or do you think that an aid relationship should simply be able to go hand in hand with country marketing at this level?}}
The Netherlands understands that Rwanda, as part of a broader development strategy, wants to further develop its tourism industry and that promotion and marketing are part of this. The choice for Arsenal is up to Rwanda itself. The Premier League obviously has a global reach and is followed by hundreds of millions of people every week. Arsenal itself has official supporters’ associations all over the world, 23 of which are in Africa (and one in Rwanda).
Rwanda sees the partnership with Arsenal as an investment that will contribute to the awareness of Rwanda as a tourist destination and thus to the further development of the country. Among other things, Rwanda thinks that the income from the tourism sector, an important source of foreign currency, will double in 2024. The Rwandan strategy is not without success. According to the IMF, the number of international visitors reaching Rwanda doubled to 1.3 million between 2010 and 2015. Income from tourism increased annually from USD 202 million in 2010 to more than USD 400 million in 2016. This does not detract from the fact that inequality remains high in the country. (IMF Country Report no. 17/214, June 2017). Other countries with which the Netherlands has a relationship also try to generate more income through tourism. For example, Kenya recently developed and launched a new strategy for tourism.
The Netherlands continues to enter into a dialogue with Rwanda about the development of the country in order to support Rwanda in its own objective of becoming independent of aid. This also includes a broad dialogue with actors such as the Rwanda Development Board about the effectiveness of such investments and how these relate to Dutch efforts in other sectors
Shyaka was speaking Tuesday in Kigali in a meeting that brought together, the Ministry of Justice and partners to chart ways to efficiently harmonize justice services delivery along the reforms that are being carried out by the Ministry.
He said that the ministry is among those advanced in attaining the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) targets. However, he noted that there is a gap in services in terms of justice delivery and communicating laws.
“People claim that they are unaware of the laws, laws are being established, but we do not know them, they are not communicated. Notary services are needed but their accessibility still has problems,” he said.
Among other services, Shyaka said that people still face challenges in judicial decisions implementation; they don’t trust justice system in Rwanda and Access to Justice Bureau.
Shyaka urged the Ministry to invest in communicating the laws so as to raise people’s awareness among other services.
The Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye admitted the gap in justice system and promised efforts to tackle the problem.
“The gap is there, but we hope to work hard to close it,” he promised.
Safintra which is serving Rwandan construction industry since 2008, has been introducing technically superior products from time to time. Its products are a result of vast experience and technical expertise. It has become One Stop Shop centre for Roofing Solutions.
Safintra provides complete roofing solutions by providing the design as per the structural engineering requirements along with Fabrication and Installation using standard materials and building practices. In fact, you can now build the houses and leave the roofs to Safintra engineering team, they will show you a complete roof which is good, smart and durable.
Sandeep Phadnis, Business Head of Safintra Rwanda Ltd, told IGIHE on Wednesday that the company is offering complete roofing services as a new and innovative service to meet the demands of the customers.
“We have technical capability and experience to execute the work in stipulated time. Our Engineers do roof designing, suggest the right material and do the installation.
Safintra uses its Light Gauge Steel Truss system under the brand ULTRASPAN as well as Tubular Steel for the Structure. All the designs are made considering the structural requirements and optimised cost.”
Safintra Rwanda uses colour roofing sheets with the base metal being Aluminium and Zinc coated steel (double protection) and coated with double coating technology which provides the sheets smooth lustre and finish. They are longer lasting than other colour sheets available on the Rwandan market of which the base metal is galvanized (only zinc coated).
Some of the big projects that Safintra has so far completed as complete roofing solutions include large University in Butaro in Burera District, Professional Training centre in Remera, Headquarters and key buildings in Government offices, 4-star hotels in Nyagatare District and Musanze districts, just to mention but a few. Safintra has also completed many schools, Individual houses and apartments.
Safintra is known for its state-of-the art roofing sheets and that has captivated the Rwandan market. In addition to existing high quality roofing sheets such as Lifestile, Royal Versatile, Versatile, Maxcover, Covermax, Resincot and DUMUZAS, Safintra Rwanda has recently unveiled Romantile, a premium unique profile introduced in Rwanda with elegant looks, steel roofing sheets which provides higher savings because of its effective cover width of 1050mm.
Safintra Rwanda Limited is a subsidiary of the Safal Group, Africa’s largest producer of steel roofing and allied products and is the first producer of Aluminium Zinc coated steel on the continent. With over 50 years of experience, the Safal Group has 36 manufacturing operations in 12 countries across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, and has remained at the forefront in developing and providing products that lead the industry on the continent.
For further information about Safintra Rwanda Ltd, please visit them at the Head Office in Kigali Prime Economic Zone, plot 2156 & 2157 or visit www.safintra-rwanda.com
You can also send them an email at sales.safintrarwanda@safalgroup.com or phone them at +250727888070 or +250788317072
Its full-year 2017 figures show 16,000 business and leisure travellers from the UK, a fifth more than in 2016.
Visit Rwanda says travellers are making their way to the country for wildlife, new premium lodges and its scenery.
Visit Rwanda, which became the official tourism partner of Arsenal Football Club last week, has been focusing on promoting the new ‘tourism circuit’ including all three of the East African country’s national parks at Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes, as well as Lake Kivu and the Capital Kigali.
Visitors are also choosing more experiences, such as kayaking, cycling and trekking, Visit Rwanda said.
RwandAir launched services from London Gatwick to Kigali on board new Airbus A330 last year.
Upcoming hotel openings include One & Only’s Nyungwe House in Nyungwe Park in October 2018 and Gorilla’s Nest in Volcanoes National Park in summer 2019.
Wilderness Safaris will unveil Magashi Camp in Akagera Park in December 2018 and Singita will open Kwitonda lodge in Volcanoes National Park in August 2019.
Renovations have been carried out at Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Volcanoes National Park.
Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We’re humbled to see so many more UK visitors head to Rwanda. We are a clean, green country with the friendliest people in Africa and some of the most beautiful scenery you can find on the continent.
“Rwanda has opened up in recent years, enabling visitors to explore our country safely and in comfort. We look forward to welcoming even more UK tourists as we unveil more attractions and accommodation in the coming months.”
{{Source:Travel Weekly}}
The trio handed their resignation letters to the District Council on Wednesday citing ‘personal reasons’.
The Chairperson of Nyagatare District Council, Chantal Atukunda Rukeba confirmed to IGIHE that they received the letters Wednesday mid-day.
“They cited personal reasons,” she said.
Asked whether there is no problem that pushed them to resign at once, Atukunde said that they consider what is in the letters and evaluate their resignations after.
“For us, as District council, we have to evaluate their resignations. There are no problems we can identify now. Tomorrow we will convene council members’ general meeting to examine the resignation,” she said.
She said that she will comment about the appointment of interim mayor after tomorrow’s council general meeting.
Eastern Province Governor, Fred Mufulukye told IGIHE that he also received the copies of the trio’s letters.
A source told IGIHE that Wednesday morning, the trio had reported to the Provincial Office.
The resignation in Nyagatare came four days after the same scenario in Bugesera District where all members of the Executive Committee resigned citing personal reasons.
Biruta was speaking yesterday while launching National Environment Week which aims at beating plastic pollution.
In 2008, Rwanda introduced the law to prohibit the manufacture, importation, use and sale of polythene bags.
According to Biruta, the country hase seen remarkable progress and other countries, especially in the region are following suit.
“Today, the challenge we face is no longer plastic bags alone, but all plastics, especially those used once and thrown away. These disposable plastics are known as ‘single use’ plastics,” he said.
“Single use plastics are damaging our rivers, wetlands, and farmlands. They also pose a risk to our health. Like all rubbish, plastic waste blocks drains and waterways. This increases the chances of flooding and provides the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria and other water borne diseases,” he explained.
He said that this year, the Ministry of Environment and partners have embarked on new ways to improve plastic recycling and reduce plastic waste.
“We are in the process of revising the plastics law to reduce single use plastics and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of plastic recycling in the country,” he said.
He encouraged people to invest in sustainable alternatives to plastics that are better for health and the environment. He said that some of the biggest sources of plastic waste include bottles, straws, cups, plates and cutlery which are often used in meetings and traditional gatherings like weddings.
“It’s time to make the switch and say no to single use plastic,” he noted adding that ending plastic waste will protect health and environment, save money and reduce the burden on the country’s waste management system.
Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Fode Ndiaye said that there is need for government partners to end use of plastics.
“I strongly believe that we need a broad alliance including governments, CSOs, NGOs, DPs, private sector and businesses and more importantly citizens, every day and everywhere. It is about behavioral change from production to usage and disposal,” he said.
He said that today, the World produces twenty times more plastic than in the 1960s, and around one third of all plastic is used for packaging.
“Small changes will matter. Let us individually take today a commitment in refusing to use plastic whenever possible or to reuse it, if not possible! It is in our personal hands to our dangerous plastic hands! Let us help clean our environment,” he encouraged people.