The Minister for Local Government, James Musoni, has challenged local leaders to improve service delivery.

Musoni was addressing hundreds of Kirehe District leaders and residents during a one-day consultative meeting yesterday.

He said local leaders are obliged to offer quality service, adding that only good service delivery will develop the nation.

The minister, who also interacted with residents, assured them of government’s commitment to good services.

"You must be exemplary in whatever you do. The contrary slows down development,” he said.

"Local leaders and other stakeholders must work together and serve Rwandans better. The offices they hold are for the public and it is the public that gives them power to occupy those offices. Every public service holder should, therefore, know that good service delivery is not a privilege, but a duty we owe the public,” he added.

Musoni hailed Kirehe residents for their hard work, which he said has helped fast track development.

He said the infrastructure development in the district together with the availability of electricity should push the district to greater heights.

"Your success is based on high level commitment, patriotism, vision and involving the people in all activities,” he said.

The minister visited a number of development projects in the district, before launching a multi-million taxi park in Nyakarambi town.

The modern park, with capacity to accommodate over two hundred businesspersons, was built at a cost of Rwf 650 million.

Odette Uwamariya, the Governor of the Eastern Province, said it is necessary for leaders right from the grassroots to know their duty.

"Whatever we do must be people-based. Involving the population is something that has been well conceptualised,” Uwamariya said.