Rugarama residents seek compensation

MUHANGA- Residents of Nyamabuye sector, Muhanga district, whose crops were destroyed during the construction of the Rwansamira marshlands, Thursday, requested the government to intervene in their compensation claims. The crops were destroyed in 2002 when a project sponsored by the World Food Programme affected 52 residents. It happened prior to local government reforms, while the sector was in the former Gitarama province. “Our forests and agricultural products were destroyed during the process. Though the damages were assessed by the former leaders, we have never been compensated for nine years now,” Antoine Rwamuvunyi, the group’s representative told The New Times. Rwamuvunyi accused Nyamabuye sector leaders of blocking their compensation bid. “We have all the signatures and approval of the grassroots leaders, but the leadership of Nyamabuye sector has refused to sign for us,” Rwamuvunyi claimed. But when contacted, Nyamabuye Sector Executive Secretary, Jean Baptiste Mugunga, dismissed the claims. “The sector is not supposed to sign on the papers because there is no evidence of the purported claims. It is the district to handle the matter.” The group claims that the delays have grossly affected their welfare and a lot of money and time has been spent in processing paperwork. The Mayor of Muhanga Yvonne Mutakwasuku could not be reached for comments. The district leader in-charge of Good Governance Patrick Gatwaza, however, said he was aware of the issue and promised to consult with those responsible. Ends

National

Rugarama residents seek compensation