Disgruntled civil servants petition President over Gasabo plots

GASABO - Scores of disgruntled Government employees who were allocated plots in 2006 in Gasabo District, have petitioned President Paul Kagame to intervene in breaking the impasse with district authorities who have not honoured their promise. The 200 workers were allocated plots by the district authorities after paying about Rwf 400 million in total, but the district has reportedly dragged its feet in handing over the plots. The district had mobilised several employees from seventeen Government institutions to apply for plots located in Rusororo and Ruyonza both in Gasabo. In a letter, dated June 2, 2009, over 200 employees have asked the President to intervene and resolve the standoff. “It is now over 3 years since we paid our money but the district does not care,” the letter, a copy of which the The NewTimes has obtained states. The letter which was also copied to Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, Minister of Local Government and Good Governance, Protais Musoni and Kigali City Mayor Dr. Aisha Kirabo Kacyira, claimed all dialogue with the district had failed. “We waited patiently to get our plots but in vain. This is our last option,” the two page letter continues. In order to buy the said plots, the employees reportedly got loans from banks. “The banks are deducting their money yet what we paid for is not seen,” the employees complained. In another letter also dated June 2, 2009; the employees threatened Gasabo Mayor Claudine Nyianwagaga to immediately comply or be sued. “We have written many letters seeking justice or explanation from the district but in vain,” says Alain Bernard Mukuralinda, leader of the employees. The mayor could not be reached by press time for a comment as she was said to be in a meeting. She, had in the past asked the employees to stay calm, assuring that their plots would be given to them any time. Evode Ngombwa, the public relations officer in the Rwanda Land offices said on Thursday that legally, any person who applies for such plots should get them within 30 days. Each employee is said to have paid between Rwf 1.5million to Rwf 2.5million. Ends

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Disgruntled civil servants petition President over Gasabo plots