Gicumbi District Advisory Council this week finally passed the long-awaited Rwf 10.5 billion district budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The budget, which was presented to the councillors after eight months of preparation, seeks to improve the district’s infrastructure, including installation of water and energy sources throughout the entire district.

The district also allocated 30 percent of the funds towards economic development to raise the standards of living among residents.

The government will contribute the lion’s share worth Rwf 8.2 billion whereas the district intends to raise the balance from internal revenues.

At least Rwf 350 million will cater for contractors’ debts, an issue that has dogged the district administration, with some suppliers dragging the district to court.

The budget also caters for salary increment of the district’s employees; a move which the district officials said would motivate its workers to offer better services.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, said the budget was based on the resident’s priorities.

"We will ensure that this budget is well implemented to solve issues that have been affecting the district,” he said.

He called upon sector Executive Secretaries in the district to improve delivery of services.

Separately, the president of the District Advisory Council, Jean D’Amour Gatera, said the budget was well drafted and pro-people.

He noted it is based on priorities of government policies and his team would supervise its implementation.

"In order for the budget to be well implemented, there will always be a monthly financial report by all the sectors. We set up a financial committee which will always scrutinise all the reports made by the district and this will help in improving the district’s budget operations,” said Gatera.

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