City signs performance contracts with youth associations

About 10 youth sanitation and hygiene associations in Kigali City Friday signed performance contracts with the city to keep the country’s capital clean and green. Dr.Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the city Mayor presided over the ceremony that was held at Nyamirambo stadium.

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Kigali City Mayor, Dr.Aisa Kirabo speaking to the media after the Umuganda yesterday. In the background are some of the participants (Photo/ F. Goodman )

About 10 youth sanitation and hygiene associations in Kigali City Friday signed performance contracts with the city to keep the country’s capital clean and green.

Dr.Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the city Mayor presided over the ceremony that was held at Nyamirambo stadium.

It was also attended by a delegation from South Africa and East African Community member states that are here to celebrate with Rwanda the achievements of Kigali City and the country in general in the last 16 years in what has been dubbed "Kigali City Festival”.

The associations from the three districts of Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Kicukiro include those that focus on employing street children.

This brings the number of associations and cooperative societies to 57 in Kigali City alone.

Kirabo urged them to fulfil their duties and improve the city’s clean look.

Nasser Ntege Ssebagala, the Mayor of Kampala, Uganda, congratulated Rwanda’s efforts that have seen it rise out of the ashes left by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"We are proud of such achievements made in a very short time,” Ssebagala, said before adding that "Rwanda is our next home.”

In a related development, the South African youth delegation from and the cities of Durban and Tshwane, and that of EAC member states, yesterday joined the Rwandan youth and City authorities in a communal work, locally known as Umuganda, in Nyandungu, Kicukiro District.

Kirabo said that it was time for Rwandans, especially youths in the city, to celebrate the country’s achievements.

"Coming together as authorities and youth from different countries, shows a good relationship that fosters development,” she said adding that this voluntary work is part of the country’s programs to promote economic and social development.

"As authorities, we are committed to make sure Kigali is a very clean city and a business-friendly environment,” she noted.

Kepi Madumo, one of South Africa’s delegates, said engaging in the communal work with the Rwandan youth is very important towards building a strong relationship between both countries.

"The youth from South Africa are going to learn a lot from their counterparts in Rwanda who voluntarily come together and do communal work”

The activity was also attended by Miss East Africa, Cynthia Akazuba, and Grace Bahati, the reigning Miss Rwanda.

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