KAYONZA – Ndego Sector in Kayonza District has scooped an award under the Local Government Ministry’s Village Umurenge Programme(VUP).The sector received  a trophy and cash prize of Rwf1.2 million after emerging the best sector in setting up model villages in the province.

The sector beat others after considering its unique projects aimed at eradicating poverty.

The same evaluation committee ranked Innocent Shingiro, a renowned pepper producer in the sector as the best farmer in the province.

"The unique production of pepper in the sector championed by the recipient is second to none.In this it is noteworthy to say that pepper is  properly parked in small containers before it is sold,” Epimaque Rutaremara, the Sector Executive Secretary said.

"We have also initiated exemplary irrigation projects and terraces which have tremendously reduced soil erosion and increased crop production.”

Every Sector in Rwanda has a demonstration village under the VUP. The main purpose of the VUP is to act as a ‘learning by doing’ unit whereby other sectors  seek to  model its activities  after its approaches for the purposes of accelerating development at local levels countrywide.

Ndego also faired well in encouraging use of family planning methods, registering residents in health insurance and extending water to residents.

It was also noted that residents of Ndego are setting up organised settlements.

"If one wants to come up with a building in Ndego, there are set procedures to follow which helps residents  to settle in a more acceptable manner,” said the official.

Every home has a beehive and can harvest at least some honey for domestic consumption, local leaders said.

Ends