A senatorial candidate for the City of Kigali, Phoebe Kanyange, has said that access to clean water and healthcare will be her priority once she wins the September 26 elections.

In an interview with The New Times, Kanyange commended the efforts by the government in addressing the two issues, but noted that there is still need for further advocacy for the benefit of all Rwandans.

"There are some areas which still have no water nor electricity. This will be my priority if I am elected,” Kanyange, who is also the President of the Party for Solidarity and Progress (PSP), said.

The 43-year old, mother of three, holds a Masters degree in Public health.

Nine people, four of them women, have staked their claims to the city seat. Only one person will be elected to represent Kigali city in the Senate.

Kanyange is presently the Administrative Officer of the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programmes (ICAP).

"A senator should be someone, who understands the people’s welfare. I have worked with people through different initiatives and I understand what they need.

I will advocate for the rights of the population, pregnant mothers to give birth in health centres and promote hygiene and sanitation where we live and work,” Kanyange, who is also a member of the community health workers in Gikondo, Kicukiro District, added.

Currently, 69 percent of mothers give birth in health centre across the country.

Kanyange, has mainly worked with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), which include UNICEF, Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH) Rwanda and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

"Women and girls in Rwanda have proved that they can even do better than men. I know that I will win and continue contributing to the country’s development; continue fighting for women rights, support programs like sleeping in mosquito nets and family planning,” she stated.

Women account for 56 percent of parliamentarians, the highest worldwide while in the judiciary, they account for 46 percent.

"I love standing up for my country. Having become the spokesperson of the Consultative Forum for Political Organisations (CFPO), I cannot fail to become the people’s spokesperson once elected,” she said.

Kanyange was the forum’s spokesperson from May last year to February 2011.

She promised to work with authorities in the city, including the utility body (EWSA) to offer the required services to city residents.

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