NORTHERN PROVINCE

GAKENKE — The Minister of Internal Security, Sheik Musa Fazil Harerimana, has criticized local leaders over delays in implementing government programmes.

Addressing a security meeting in Gakenke District on Wednesday, the Minister pressed leaders to explain what was being done to settle residents in community settlements (Imidigudu) and terracing.

Leaders whose mindsets have not been changed were responsible for the slow pace of development, the minister noted, warning that non-performers will be eliminated through the monthly evaluation of sectors.

"You need to decide whether to cultivate positive thinking among the people you lead, or not do anything at all and resign,’’ he said.

The Minister, who is also responsible for Gakenke District, cautioned leaders who falsify reports claiming to have done much when actually there is nothing on the ground.

The meeting which was attended by all sector and cell leaders, police and army dwelt on settlements, drug trafficking and setting up vegetable gardens.

According to the Mayor, Pierre Damien Hakizayezu, over 420 sites for Imidugudu have been drawn, and the district expects 42% of residents to settle in community settlements by the end of this year.

The meeting resolved that vegetable gardens should be set up in every family within the next one month.

During the same meeting, the Mayor presented performance results from sectors, after the first quarter of 2009-highligting different achievements.

Gakenke trailed other districts in the province after the evaluation of the first phase of performance contracts this week, which was presided over by the Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza.

Ends