KARONGI- The Western Province has chosen urban development, rural infrastructure and social sector development as the key priority areas this financial year.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting, yesterday, Provincial Governor, Celestin Kabahizi, explained that other targets would include improving the region’s road network and increasing power and water supply.

"We are targeting a significant achievement in implementing proposed master plans in the three towns of Karongi, Rubavu and Rusizi.,” Kabahizi said.

"We shall continue to advocate for reforestation of Gishwati forest and we encourage the population to embrace the land registration policy. Only 19% of the total land in the province is registered,” he added.

Provincial Executive Secretary, Paul Jabo, noted the determination has resulted into a slight increase in the financial budget of the province.

"Budget estimates have subsequently increased from last year’s Rwf267.5m to Rwf307m. It will be possible to conduct financial management peer reviews quite often,” he said.

In order to ensure proper use of government funds, Jabo challenged local leaders and accounting officers to adopt the culture of carefully keeping all financial records and their supporting documents.

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