Gicumbi: 40 families to benefit from Green model village under construction

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

At least fourty families who were living in high risk zones in Gicumbi District, Northern Province will soon be housed in the new green buildings that are under construction through Green Gicumbi Project.

The six-year project aims at protecting and sustaining environment in Gicumbi district. Beneficiaries of the new modern buildings will be breathing fresh oxygen as the houses are constructed in a way that respects green building guidelines.

The houses will be complete as of April 2022.

Sophia Uwangirigira is on the list of beneficiaries from Nyamiyaga cell, Rubaya sector. She told the media that she had no expectation of getting own house after the extreme floods that took away her old house in the risk zone.

The project employed some of beneficiaries in various social-economic activities including construction of model villages.

“I remember when our house was collapsed down, the incident happened after heavy rain and since then we were accommodated in the schools. It became a dream later when officials came to register the vulnerable families that were affected by that situation and it is a huge opportunity for me. My dream is coming true as the houses are at good construction stage, thanks to Green Gicumbi project to think on changing lives for the needy.” Uwangirigira said with a smile.

Besides being among the beneficiaries who will be accommodated in the new buildings, Uwanyirigira was also employed by the project at construction site. She earns an amount of money that helps her to tackle financial issues and remain with little savings.

Josiane Nyirabashyitsi, another beneficiary who will get a house said it is an opportunity for her to escape from a bitter homeless life.

“I owe many thanks to the local government authorities who considered my needy situation and put me on the list of beneficiaries, I am very happy as I will never have worries of where to leave my child when I go for work.” Nyirabashyitsi said.

Jean Marie Vianney Kagenza, Green Gicumbi Project Coordinator said that beneficiaries will get extra support apart from the houses as they are among vulnerable families.

“Beneficiaries of the project are from the first and second categories of Ubudehe citizen’s scheme, they need first help to become resilient. We employ those who are strong among them in various socio-economic activities such as construction, terracing and tree planting among others. We will also give them cows and help them to embrace vegetable farming.” Kagenza said.

It is expected that the project will accommodate 200 families; where 100 houses will be constructed in Rubaya sector, 100 houses will be constructed in Kaniga sector.

The overall project will cost Rwf1.6 billion.

The six-year Green Gicumbi project has so far achieved significant activities in two years of operation. The main activities of the project include terracing, tree planting, reforestation of both government and citizens’ forests, giving quality seeds to citizens and training them on best and productive farming among others.

The project operates in nine sectors of Gicumbi Districts including Rubaya, Cyumba, Kaniga, Mukarange, Rushaki, Shangasha, Manyagiro, Byumba and Bwesige.

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