By Joshua Niyonshima
A total of 30 million shillings was yesterday collected by Kisoro communities meant for the purchase of land to construct staff housing at Zindiro Health Center III in Kamonyi ward, North Division, Kisoro Municipality.
The event was graced by Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Youth and Children affairs Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi as the guest of Honor.
A total of 160 million shillings is needed to acquire land where the staff quarters will be constructed and possibly where future expansions of the health facility will take place.
With 130 million shillings left to be raised, Hon. Sarah Mateke cautioned leaders in the Municipality to plan better in the future to avoid embarrassment and unnecessary frustration.
“We need to plan better to avoid any more emergencies moving forward. The local leaders on ground have done extraordinarily well despite the financial challenges in our economy, Mateke noted.
Government funds amounting to 150 million shillings meant to construct staff housing at Zindiro HC III were received by Kisoro Municipality in the middle of the financial year set to end in June 2022.
Failure to utilize the funds will mean that the monies return to the consolidated fund.
The Chairperson for the Fundraising Committee Joseph Rukema says he is confident that within the remaining period, a lot more can be achieved.
The next meeting has been set for 12th April 2022 to evaluate and find ways of raising more funds.
Hon. Paul Kwizera Buchana Chooses another way
Kisoro Municipality Member of Parliament Hon Paul Kwizera Buchana has categorically stated that he will not be a part of the fundraising exercise for Zindiro HC III because it depicts Government’s failure to serve its people.
Hon. Kwizera says the duty to raise revenue and assets for Government is the Preserve for the Minister of Finance therefore asking communities to buy land on behalf of Government is wrong.
“You cannot raise resources for public interest without indicting Government and our leaders simply do not want to do that, the land should be acquired by the municipal council and not from the people, Hon. Kwizera explains.
Hon. Kwizera says he is consulting with the Ministry of Finance to find a better way to handle the matter. He advises the Municipal authorities to widen the boundaries of the Municipality by acquiring more land.
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