Development partners in Rulindo District working under Joint Action Forum have outlined their strategies to deliver on 2016 performance contracts, saying all citizens and local leaders would be involved in development projects to ensure ownership.

Jean Baptist Hakizimana, the president of the forum, is confident that with partnership, they would deliver on performance targets.

Addressing district development partners, last week, Hakizimana said local leaders and residents must work together to deliver services on the three pillars of economic development, social protection and good governance.

"We want local leaders and residents to work hand-in-hand with the platform of all partners in planning and implementation process of development activities to ensure that we promote ownership of the projects,” Hakizimana said.

Hakizimana said one similar goal lies at the heart of all development partners’ interventions: transforming lives of the residents.

"We don’t lock out partners as long as they are committed to helping us transform the livelihood of citizens. Every stakeholder with means to impact positively on residents is welcome,” he added.

The district has asked all partners to promote inclusive economic development by putting in place strategies to meet various needs of vulnerable residents.

Prosper Murindwa, the vice mayor for economic affairs, said even the vulnerable should have a say on their priority projects in order to ensure sustainability.

"Those historically marginalised need special attention that responds to various problems they encounter in their daily lives. We know where they are and are going to connect them to various partners basing on their priorities,” Murindwa said.

He called on partners to also create a conducive working environment for people with disabilities not to leave them behind.

"People with disabilities should not be discriminated against. We should involve them in national development.

The handicap will be connected to partners who deal in hands-on skills like handcraft,” Murindwa said.

Eliackim Nzaramyimana, the president of the Forum’s economic commission, also stressed the need to involve beneficiaries in project implementation.

"If we are to support the vulnerable, we shall ensure that they are involved in one way or another. For example, if we are to build a house for a vulnerable, we shall ensure that they fetch water, participate in ground preparation, among other activities. This will ensure ownership and sustainability of activities,” Nzaramyimana said.

He said more efforts will be put on modern agriculture and livestock farming.

"We have allocated over Rwf1.5 billion toward agriculture to enhance maize, banana, fruits and vegetables growing in green houses and increase modern livestock farming among the vulnerable. We will make sure that farmers can add value to their products to increase market demand for their produce,” he said.

The partners agreed to sign performance contracts with the district and the latter promised advocacy on challenges that stakeholders may encounter in the implementation process.

"We are committed to work more closely with partners to ensure successful implementation of performance contracts. The district will support the partners to address challenges in implementation. Unity is strength,” Murindwa said.

The forum enables partners to jointly work, plan, implement and monitor how socio-economic development is progressing in the district.

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