The Eastern Province of Rwanda has launched a campaign that will see all people living in properly planned village settlements, commonly known as Imidugudu.

The campaign kicked off with the launch of a new modern village in Gatore sector, this June 2012, in Kirehe district. The event was attended by the State Minister in charge of Social Affairs, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, provincial Governor Odette Uwamariya and Red Cross officials.

Denise Uwera, the head of special programmes at the Province said that at least 85 houses were constructed in the Gatore settlement, with the support of Rwanda Red-cross.

The policy of planned village settlement is a government initiative aimed at ensuring easy rollout of infrastructure facilities like water, energy, health and education to all Rwandans. According to the National Human Settlement Policy, every citizen is expected to settle in planned villages. Reports from the ministry of local government ranked Eastern Province as number one in proper settlement with 87.2%.
Uwera said the people would be settled quickly in safe locations that paves way for “meaningful agricultural activities and the first focus group would be people living in potentially hazardous environment- who urgently need to be relocated to planned villages.

Provincial officials hailed Red Cross for its support in promoting the campaign of eradication of grass thatched houses (commonly known as ‘Nyakatsi’). Officials also said that the implementation level has been on the mark and some areas like, Ngoma district, we have reached a record high percentage of 96.4%.

Protais Murayire, the Mayor of Kirehe district said that issues related to proper housing should be complete in three years time and so far 4 model villages, which accommodate needy people, have been constructed.