LEADERS should always involve residents in development programmes in order to speed up the country’s growth, the Minister for Local Government, James Musoni, has said.

Musoni was speaking in Nyaruguru District at the launch of various development projects which include the district’s newly built offices as well as water and electricity infrastructures.

Musoni said the country envisions development and improved living conditions for all its citizens, noting that to achieve this, there is need for continued collaboration between leaders and residents,.

"The good governance we have championed is based on love for one another as well as partnership, collaboration and teamwork between leaders and citizens,” he said.

"We need to seek the input of residents in whatever we do,” he added.

He urged leaders to continue encouraging residents to join cooperatives and embrace a savings culture.

Minister Musoni  noted that the district should be in position to offer better services to residents now that it has got a modern and spacious office.

The Rwf590 two-storey building will serve district staff and help improve service delivery, according to Mayor Francois Habitegeko.

The district had been using a small office block belonging to the former Mubuga Commune that had been built to accommodate only 10 people, Habitegeko said.

It had become difficult for the over 50 individuals now working with the district to work in an overcrowded office, he noted.

The event,  part of the ongoing Governance Month, was also used to commission a four-kilometre long public lighting infrastructure in Kibeho and a  newly consructed water channel set to serve over 9,500 people in Munini, Kibeho, Cyahinda and Ngoma sectors.

A mini-exhibition, featuring works of the various district development partners, was also launched.