Premier urges zero tolerance on corruption

KIGALI - Prime Minister Bernard Makuza has called upon all Rwandans to have a culture of zero tolerance on corruption. He was speaking at a function organized by the office of the Ombudsman, to mark the end of the anti- corruption week at the Kigali Serena hotel on Friday.

Saturday, December 15, 2007
Prime Minister Bernard Makuza

KIGALI - Prime Minister Bernard Makuza has called upon all Rwandans to have a culture of zero tolerance on corruption. He was speaking at a function organized by the office of the Ombudsman, to mark the end of the anti- corruption week at the Kigali Serena hotel on Friday.

Makuza who was the chief guest said that corruption is a major stumbling block for developing countries.

"Corruption is a serious issue that hinders development in developing countries as it discourages foreign investors” said Makuza.

He added that it was important to develop the culture of zero tolerance on corruption, especially in families and schools because that is where responsible citizens are developed.

He further said the government would continuously enact anti-corruption laws in order to prevent corruption and whoever was involved would be punished harshly
Speaking at the same function, the Ombudsman Tito Rutaremara said that Rwanda had managed to drastically reduce corruption.

He attributed this success to the political will exhibited by the leadership of the country in the fight against corruption. Rutaremara further said that his office plans to take the anti-corruption struggle to the family level.

At the same function, the district of Burera received an award of Frw 1 million for excelling in the fight against corruption. The Mayor of Burera received the award on behalf of his district leadership.

 The function was attended by several high ranking government officials, among them the Minister of Internal Security, Sheik Musa Fazil Harerimana and the Governor of Northern Province, Boniface Rucagu.
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