NYAGATARE - Over 1,000 residents formerly living in grass thatched houses in Kiyombe sector, Nyagatare district have now acquired modern houses.

This was revealed at an official launch of a campaign geared towards phasing out traditional huts on Wednesday, in Kiyombe sector.

During the event sector authorities said that all sector residents who were residing in about 1,194 huts in January, have so far, managed to build modern iron roofed houses. 

The Kiyombe Sector Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Mwumvaneza said that residents were able to get rid of grass thatched houses because of hard work and commitment to kick out poverty from their livelihoods.

 "Our residents, through support from the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP) fully utilized the money they were given to build modern houses that replaced grass thatched houses. We attribute this success to their hard working spirit”, he said. 

According to Mwumvaneza, VUP gave residents over Rwf90million through the Sector Savings and Credit Cooperative commonly known as Umurenge Sacco, which was injected into income generating projects. 

During the ceremony, 50 needy families received 20 iron sheets each, donated by their fellow residents. 

The District Mayor, Fred Sabiti Atuhe hailed residents for their outstanding performance urging them to continue with their hard work.

"It is my great pleasure that Kiyombe residents are fully implementing government’s programmes…the district is exceptionally happy that the sector has attained 105% in Umurenge Sacco programme”, he said. 

"Such residents who excel in implementing government programmes beyond expectation should straightway be treated as our ambassadors”.

The Mayor donated a heifer to one of the residents who will be selected as a role model in implementing government’s programmes. 

Justin Gatsinzi, the national head of VUP who was present at the function, also thanked Kiyombe residents for their hard work.

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