Street children registered

THE Secretary General in the Ministry of Local Government Eugene Balikana on Friday said street children across the country had been also registered for the new identity cards.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

THE Secretary General in the Ministry of Local Government Eugene Balikana on Friday said street children across the country had been also registered for the new identity cards.

 "Sector leaders have tried to ensure that majority of the street children are registered though some of them (street children) deliberately refused,” said Balikana.

Speaking at his office, Balikana also said that the exercise had succeeded in the whole country, "all districts have so far submitted their reports in to the ministry apart from Bugesera District and the whole of Kigali City,” He said.

He however said that registration will continue until all Rwandans are registered, "those who missed the registration still have a chance because it will have to continue at a sector level.”

Balikana also said that in two week time, the ministry will start data entry, "we are intending to start data entry for the new identity cards in two weeks time and the activity will be held in Kigali”.

He however added that data entry will be followed by taking photos that would appear on the cards, "there are unique passport photos that will be put on the IDs, we will let people know when this activity.”

Balikana also said that Rwandans living abroad wil until the end September register at their respective embassies.

Asked about people living in countries that don’t have Rwandan embassies, Balikana said that they would register for the ID when they return to Rwanda, "Rwandese in France can use the Belgian embassy that represents us there,” said Balikana.

While speaking about religious sects that boycotted the registrations, Balikana said the majority of them (sect members) have been convinced to register and they have done so, those who have refused will soon be taken to court and charged,” said Balikana.

The new identity card will be electronic which makes it different from the previous one.

The smart card that costs between Frw 500 to 10000 shall contain all other personal data like the driving license, medical insurance cards, Social Security Fund among others.

Ends