Minister says turnover is ‘abnormal’

Close to 50 percent of the local leaders elected during the 2006 grassroots elections have lost their jobs for different reasons.

The next election is not due until 2011.

In total, 556 leaders elected at both district and sector level, at least 250 have quit their offices some of them having ended up in jail and courts of law while some have been charged with different crimes they committed while in office.

Recently, in Gatsibo district in the Eastern Province, the Mayor and his two vice mayors resigned. The Mayor and one of his deputies were later arrested, allegedly over mismanagement of public funds.

"The turnover is abnormally high but we are looking at alternatives to ensure that this situation is arrested because most of the reasons behind this is lack of capacity,” said Local Government Minister Protais Musoni.

"We have also embarked on a campaign to identify clearly what strengths and other requirements needed for people to be eligible to stand for these offices”.

According to available information, the Southern Province was most hit with five of its Mayors either sacked or resigning. Muhanga district in the same Province has so far lost two mayors.

"I think there is a capacity gap and the work coordinated by these people is diverse, they have to deal with many issues,” said Musoni.

He however admitted that some of these leaders lost their jobs because of dipping their hands in public funds or other forms of embezzlement.

"Despite the alarming turnover rate, we shall not tolerate those in contravention of the law. Whoever does so is subject to lose his or her job,” the minister admonished.

All local leaders subscribe to the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA).

According to Dr Aisa Kirabo Kakira, the Kigali City Mayor who also doubles as RALGA chairperson, they are currently working on a code of ethics and conduct manual to which all members will have to adhere.

She also added that they have embarked on an induction programme for all local leaders that will help to close the capacity gap.

"But the turnover shows all us another thing that is equally advantageous; that the government, through the ministry of local government, has strong checks and balances on the leaders, meaning that they will always be held accountable,” said Kirabo.

The latest resignation came yesterday from then long serving Mayor of Bugesera district in the Eastern Province, Gaspard Musonera.

Musonera, who resigned together with his vice Mayor for social affairs Isabelle Mucyowera has been suspended by the district Advisory Council, which took the decision to pave way for investigation of a tender saga.
 
Tenders account for most of the sacking or resignations and a previous Auditor General’s report attributed the irregularities to lack of skilled personnel to handle the paperwork.

However, it was later observed that some local leaders used ignorance as a blanket to swindle public funds.

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