Gov’t compensates RTV transmission site evictees

WESTERN PROVINCE RUBAVU — The government has compensated 29 residents from the Nyamyumba Sector, who will be evicted from the area where Rwanda Television transmitters will be established.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

WESTERN PROVINCE
 
RUBAVU — The government has compensated 29 residents from the Nyamyumba Sector, who will be evicted from the area where Rwanda Television transmitters will be established.

According ORINFOR’s director of Finance and Internal Resources, Alphonse Bizimana, the compensation is worth close to Rwf 12 million.

The move to construct a station in the area has been well received by the residents who do not receive RTV signals.

Speaking to The New Times, the residents commended the government for working hard to ensure that they get these signals that will enable them watch the national television.

"We are finally optimistic of receiving the signals soon, I personally thank President Kagame for making true his promise because it was during his recent visit to Gisenyi that he promised we would receive TVR signals,” Jean Damascene Musawudi a resident of Gisenyi town said.

During his visit to the Western Province late last year, the President had promised the residents that they would get the RTV signals as soon as possible.

According to Josée Mwiza, a resident of Mbugangari in the same sector, RTV will help Rubavu residents learn Rwandan culture.

Residents in this area which borders with the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo have not been receiving the RTV signals prompting them to watch stations of the neighbouring country.

"Our children have for long watched programmes broadcast on Goma TVs which has indirectly influenced their behaviour and culture. RTV programmes will help them know more about their culture,” she said.

Bizimana last week assured Rubona residents that the construction of the transmitter will take less than two months.

Charlotte Mukagasana, one of those who were compensated in the Rubona cell said that the valuation process which was done by the district and ORINFOR was fair.

"We were fairly compensated; we were at first worried that our compensation would come after eviction which would make it hard for us to get new places to relocate but it was really quick and fair,” she said.

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