Development partners have been urged to ensure close collaboration to enhance efficiency in implementation of development projects.

Francis Kaboneka, the Minister for Local Government, made the call last Friday, at a meeting that brought together development partners under the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF).

The umbrella brings together the civil society, private and public sectors, NGOs, local authorities, faith-based organisations and cooperatives. 

The meeting, held in Kigali, was meant to discuss operationalisation of the new instructions on JADF as issued by the Prime Minister and published in the official gazette on July 20.

The new instructions emphasise the need to build strong mutual relationships  among development partners.

The meeting drew over 120 officials from key institutions across the country.

Kaboneka told development partners to also ensure accountability, transparency and always link policy with practice to help  speed up local development.

"We only need team spirit among development partners. All stakeholders must improve relationships and look at national interests. There is no need for bickering. We should all have the same vision. Civil society does not mean being opposed to the Government,” he said.

"Some civil society organisations mind about their sponsorship than national interests. They are afraid to report positive things about the country for fear of losing sponsorship. But this happens when there is no team spirit. District action plans should be prepared by all stakeholders through JADF.”

Kaboneka also advised NGOs to always carry out self-evaluation and desist from drifting from their original goals.

"Rwanda does not need organisations that do not accomplish what they have committed to do. Some promise to help local citizens, but end up putting their own interests above everything else. The money meant for help improve people’s welfare is spent on missions and transport allowances, among others. So, new partners who come to work with us must align their interventions with district and national goals,” Kaboneka added.

Jean Paul Munyandamutsa, the national coordinator of JADF, said the new  instructions will improve their performance as they empower beneficiaries to participate in areas of intervention.

Under the new instructions, citizens are supposed to participate in implementing the activities that improve their welfare  and evaluate how the planned activities are accomplished.

"Residents’ participation will eliminate the malpractices in some NGOs. We have been receiving claims about NGOs that sway from their original goals and divert funds into personal use. The coordination between the districts and JADF will be helpful. The two sides should work as a team with a common goal. District advisory councils and JADF must both work in the interest of the citizens,” Munyandamutsa said.

Angel Mukaminani, Nyabihu’s vice mayor in charge of economic affairs, who also doubles as JADF’s coordinator in the district, said mutual cooperation among development partners will help the district achieve its development goals.

"Working as a team will equip all stakeholders. We have been facing challenges of misusing funds for certain projects, but through JADF, things will be improved,” Mukaminani said.

Felicien Kagisha, Nyarugenge’s vice mayor in charge of economic affairs, said with team work everything is possible, adding that JADF must be a role model in spearheading national development.

A five-year JADF strategic plan (2013-2018) focuses on empowering Rwandan communities to participate in sustainable and inclusive local development driven by mutual accountability.