RUBANDA – Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Hon. Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, has announced plans to channel funds directly to Bataka Twezikye groups to support community road maintenance and strengthen local ownership of road projects.
Kasyaba made the announcement on Tuesday while monitoring two road projects in the district: the 4-kilometre Hakaterere–Kanaaba–Kishaki road, connecting Rubanda Town Council to Muko Sub-county, and the 4-kilometre Karengyere–Kashambya–Kagongo road, linking Muko Sub-county to Butare–Katojo Town Council.
He said the district intends to change the way funds allocated for community road maintenance are distributed, with Bataka Twezikye groups set to receive the money in areas where the roads pass.
“Instead of giving Shs120,000 to one person for Burungi Bwansi, we are going to prioritize giving the money to Bataka Twezikye groups in the areas where the roads pass,” Kasyaba said.
He explained that the initiative is intended to encourage communities to take responsibility for maintaining roads while ensuring that farmers have better access to markets and residents can move more easily between sub-counties and town councils.
“We are opening roads to connect farmers to market centres, connect sub-counties and town councils, and ease transport,” Kasyaba said.
Kasyaba said the district has already identified several roads that require opening and improvement. However, he noted that the Shs1 billion allocated so far is insufficient to address the district’s entire road network, which stretches to about 1,200 kilometres.
He called for continued efforts to improve the road network, saying better roads are essential for improving trade, transportation and access to services across the district.
Muko Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Hon. Niwagaba Ivan, and LC5 Councillor, Hon. Fokushaba George Buhiika, welcomed the initiative.
They said residents in the area have for years struggled with poor road infrastructure and expressed optimism that the ongoing road projects would improve connectivity and make transportation easier for both residents and farmers.
The leaders said improved roads would also help communities access markets and other essential services while strengthening economic activity in the area.
