MUSANZE - Local government leaders at the provincial and district levels are meeting in Musanze, Northern Province to draw up measures leading to mass mobilization for production

The three-day retreat held in Ishema hotel is composed of provincial governors, district mayors, The Mayor of Kigali City, district Executive Secretaries and representatives of institutions working within the Local Government Ministry (MINALOC).

The Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, called upon local authorities to change their mindset, and redesign their priorities in implementing programs that lead to economic empowerment

"The structure of the economy which is largely based on agriculture is vulnerable due to the high population and climate change. We should therefore have a bigger vision for sustainable development,’’ Musoni said.

The retreat which commenced with presentations from national decentralization implementation secretariat-NDIS, highlighted the working relations gaps, responsibilities and challenges in local government and provinces.

Appolinaire Mushinzimana, the national coordinator of NDIS, argued that there is lack of critical capacity within the local government workers to conceptualize development visions for their districts.

The retreat preceded the presentation of the resolutions of the meeting of the district executive secretaries who act as chief budget managers indicating constant contradictions, infightings between the district executive secretaries and mayors.

Ends