Vedaste Nshimiyimana, the Executive Secretary of Southern Province, has outlined a comprehensive set of 13 strategic goals for the fiscal year 2024/2025, which are part of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

The goals were presented during a press conference held on September 13 at the provincial office in Nyanza District. The discussion also reflected on the achievements of the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

These key goals span critical sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and economic growth, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens.

Goal 1: Reducing child stunting and malnutrition

The Southern Province aims to reduce child stunting and malnutrition rates from 21.7 percent recorded in 2020 to 15 percent.

According to Nshimiyimana, this reduction will be achieved through the distribution of milk and nutritious foods to children, especially those from vulnerable households.

Community-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes will be strengthened at the cell and village levels, involving citizens in the fight against malnutrition.

Vulnerable families will receive financial aid, he said, and a monitoring team will track children’s development from pregnancy until two years of age.

Goal 2: Increasing access to water and electricity

By the end of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, 78 per cent of households in the province had access to water, and 75 per cent had electricity, Nshimiyimana said.

Plans are to extend these services across rural and urban areas, working towards universal access, hence improving living standards.

Goal 3: Sustainable agriculture and food security

Adhering to the national land use master plan, Southern Province seeks to increase agricultural productivity by focusing on sustainable farming in wetlands and designated cultivation areas.

This will involve enhancing farmers’ access to fertilizers and high-quality seeds.

Any surplus produce will be reserved for markets, contributing to food security and economic growth.

Goal 4: Boosting animal production and processing

To support the livestock sector, the province plans to increase the production of milk, meat, and eggs.

By improving the capacity of milk collection centers and processing facilities, the province aims to add value to these products, making them marketable locally and internationally.

Goal 5: Expanding the road infrastructure

Infrastructure is a top priority, and the province aims to expand its road network to facilitate transportation and service delivery, Nshimiyimana noted.

Whether tarmac or feeder roads, these roads will ensure smoother movement of people and the transport of agricultural produce to markets, fostering economic activity in rural areas.

Goal 6: Mitigating hazards and strengthening resilience

A partnership between the government and local communities will focus on

mitigating the risks posed by natural and man-made hazards.

This collaboration will ensure that residents are better prepared to face potential crises and minimize their impacts.

Goal 7: Improving administrative services through technology

To enhance the efficiency of public services, Southern Province will continue to use and prioritize Irembo, he said.

The province plans to expand access to fast internet through partnerships with telecom companies.

These initiatives aim to make government services more accessible and efficient in all parts of the province.

Goal 8: Developing tourism

Southern Province will focus on growing its tourism sector, particularly through environmental and cultural heritage tourism.

Nyanza District, known for its rich royal history, will be a focal point for these efforts, attracting tourists interested in Rwanda’s culture and historical landmarks.

Goal 9: Enhancing justice and resolving disputes

Ensuring effective justice delivery and resolving citizen disputes are among top priorities.

The province will work to finalize pending court cases and provide more efficient legal resolutions to strengthen trust in the judicial system.

Goal 10: Job creation and economic empowerment

Job creation is a critical focus, with the province aiming to foster partnerships with the private sector to generate productive employment and tax revenues.

Southern Province will increase job opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, and tourism, as well as in new sectors such as manufacturing and ICT.

In 2023/2024, 11.5 billion Rwandan francs in tax revenues were allocated to support local administration, demonstrating the commitment to economic empowerment.

Goal 11: Improving quality education

Education is central to the province’s development agenda. Plans include building more classrooms, expanding technical and vocational education (TVET), and introducing more technology-related courses. This will provide youth with market-ready skills.

In the last fiscal year, the province built 160 new schools and 6,922 classrooms, helping reduce overcrowding and enhance access to quality education.

Goal 12: Supporting vulnerable families

Vulnerable households will be linked to government support programmes. They will be supported through giving them cows and financial assistance to help lift them out of poverty.

This support is aimed at improving their standard of living and promoting self-sufficiency.

Goal 13: Expanding health facilities and workforce

To address healthcare needs, Southern Province will continue to expand its health facilities and increase the number of healthcare workers, Nshimiyimana noted.

This will improve access to medical services, especially maternal, child, and infant care in underserved areas, ensuring better health outcomes for all residents.