KIGALI - All audit reports and financial statements will be published in newspapers beginning the next financial year of 2009/2010 to ensure transparency and curb corruption.

The development was disclosed yesterday during a meeting between officials of the central government and their local government counterparts in Kigali.

Speaking to reporters, State Minister in charge of Social Affairs, Christine Nyatanyi, revealed that every week, residents at the village level will also be meeting to discuss various problems and lay strategies for the smooth running of several government programmes.

"We aim to intensify our periodic trainings against corruption for the local leaders as well as ensuring that Executive Secretaries of Sectors meet monthly to iron out any arising inconsistencies,” Nyatanyi said.

The meeting also discussed other issues that seek to elevate Rwandans out of poverty and ensure sustainable development.

Nyatanyi highlighted the need for land use consolidation in order to increase productivity and hinted on the establishment of a common market in every sector where food and veterinary drugs can easily be accessed by farmers.

"Increasing storage facilities and collecting information about businesses in each district will also be a priority. This will help in the planning of financial assistance that may be required,” she said.

There are 1,752 registered cooperatives in the country which are expected to increase to over 2,000 in the next Financial Year.

To ensure good health of the people, the Ministry of Health is set to increase awareness on the need for pregnant mothers to go for medical check-ups at least four times before giving birth.

Currently 95 percent of all mothers visit the hospital at least once while an estimated 50 percent do it four times during pregnancy.

The meeting was held in relationship with government’s wish of achieving The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs are eight international development goals that 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organisations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015.

They include reducing extreme poverty, reducing child mortality rates, fighting disease epidemics such as AIDS, and developing a global partnership for development.

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