On 17 October 2023, the Plenary Assembly of the Chamber of Deputies expressed its satisfaction with the verbal explanations provided by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ngabitsinze Jean Chrysostome on the issues raised on cooperatives management and market access and the problems identified in the slaughterhouses and the oral explanation of the Minister of Local Government, Musabyimana Jean Claude on the issues related to the implementation of development programmes for the persons with disability and the elderly people.

Minister Dr Ngabitsinze and Musabyimana explained that the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government developed a roadmap for slaughter facilities to meet the requirements and regulations, and 80 out of 200 slaughters registered were closed. Hon Dr Ngabitsinze added that they are working on RICA’s structure to increase its capabilities as far as meat inspections are concerned. 

Regarding the market of cooperatives’ production, Minister Hon. Dr Ngabitsinze said that the Ministry of Trade and Industry, RCA provide cooperatives with training on marketing and links them with the private sector. On cooperatives which are established and do not sustain, he said that there is a gap in the law governing cooperatives in the Ministry is working to revise the laws to fill out the gap.

The Minister of Local Government explained that the registration and categorization process for persons with disabilities will be completed by the end of this fiscal year and the Ministry will continue to ensure that they easily access all services.  

Regarding the elderly, Minister Musabyimana said that those in need are given direct support from the government and provided with medical care; the young are also encouraged to constantly take care of their elderly parents. The Government of Rwanda also launched a campaign to sensitize young people to subscribe to the long-term savings scheme “Ejo Heza.”     

The Speaker of the Chamber Mukabalisa Donatille said that the Parliament will continue to monitor the implementation of the measures outlined by the two Ministers to ensure sustainable solutions are in place.