The Gatsibo District leadership is calling on residents to actively participate in development projects and programs that improve their livelihoods, emphasizing that citizens’ priorities are the foundation for planning that truly responds to their everyday challenges.
This message was highlighted on Tuesday during the launch of the month dedicated to citizens’ participation in the planning of the 2026/2027 fiscal year, at the district level, in Kageyo Sector, Busetsa Cell, under the theme: “Citizen-centered planning, the foundation of sustainable development.”
The Mayor of Gatsibo District, Gasana Richard, emphasized the high value placed on citizen participation in the planning process.
He said:
“When citizens’ participation goes well, it means the government is also performing well and achieving its goals. As you know, in our country, the citizen comes first — that’s our guiding principle. Through this kind of planning, we have the opportunity to explain what the government must do, what we should do together with the people, and what citizens can take charge of themselves.”
He added:
“It’s an important time for us because we also use it to show citizens what we’ve achieved, what we haven’t managed to do, and the challenges we’ve faced — whether due to weather conditions or limited support from partners — so that they understand we’re being transparent and continue to trust and support us.”
Some of the projects completed under the previous plan include the construction of Ruboroga Bridge, a maternity ward at Gituza Health Center, terracing of 50 hectares in Tima, and the Musasa water supply system.
Projects still in progress or not yet included in the district’s performance contracts include the construction of the Bukomane–Nyarukoni tarmac road and the expansion of ADEG Gituza School Complex.
Residents of Kageyo Sector told Muhaziyacu that they value the government’s efforts to come closer to them and seek their input on development priorities.
Nkozembizi Pascal, a resident of Kageyo, said citizen engagement ensures that projects truly meet their needs:
“When the government works with citizens to identify their needs, people feel valued and included in national development programs. It ensures that what’s being done responds to real needs, not top-down decisions.”
Nyiragahinda Odile, another resident of Busetsa Cell, noted that proper planning helps improve citizens’ livelihoods:
“When officials visit us, they come to hear about our problems and challenges. We share them, and those issues become the basis for future plans. For instance, we don’t have electricity or good roads here, so we’ve asked that these problems be addressed.”
Among the main priorities that residents asked to be included in the 2026/2027 plan are: Construction and maintenance of roads, Expansion of access to electricity and clean water, Increased tree planting and forest restoration to protect the environment and Improving agricultural productivity and related activities.
Overall, the district leadership reaffirmed that involving citizens in the planning process ensures more inclusive, realistic, and sustainable development for Gatsibo.
