Gakenke Coffee farmer’s cooperative loses Rwf.70m

NORTHERN PROVINCE GAKENKE — Coffee production in Gakenke District could be affected as mismanagement and corruption are cited as some of the ills afflicting the smooth running of this Coffee Growers Cooperatives. District authorities painted a dark picture on the future of coffee production, during a development programme meeting held on Monday, after reports emerged that one of the coffee growers’ cooperatives, SOPROCAF, in Ruli Sector has registered a loss of Rwf.70m. The money was allegedly swindled by an accountant, who was the sole signatory to the account. Sources further revealed that the cooperative is also stuck with fertilisers worth over Rwf.50m which were meant for farmers. At the meeting, it was noted that ever since reports of mismanagement emerged, coffee growers are still undecided whether or not to continue supplying coffee to the cooperatives. Governor Aime Bosenibamwe, who chaired the meeting, gave sector leaders a deadline of five months within which to sort out the urgent issues raised, including land consolidation, terracing, improving health centres, and forming microfinance projects (SACCO-Umurenge). During the meeting, authorities gave an outline of strides in developments made in the last three years in different social, economic and political domains. However despite the progress, family planning, promoting ICT use in sectors, stemming genocide ideology, and malnutrition among children were cited among issues that need urgent attention. Bosenibamwe commended the progress made in the district and pledged to help build a good image of the district. Ends