KARONGI - Prime Minister Bernard Makuza has tipped the Western Province to emerge as one of East Africa’s exemplary economic success stories in the next few years.

Makuza was addressing the local leaders at the provincial headquarters in Karongi district where they had gathered to assess the progress in districts performance contracts.

He expressed optimism that if local leaders work closely with the population to fully utilize the available resources the Province is endowed with, they will transform its economic growth to an impressive level.

"With the strategic location of your province, you can collectively work hard and claim a commendable economic status in the East African region,” Makuza told local leaders yesterday.

He challenged them to prioritize public concerns while pushing for activities that enhance sustainable development.

"Residents should not come to your office three or four times before you solve their problems. This is wastage of time and resources,” he said.

"Sustainable development is a collective responsibility and the extent to which you involve the general public is what matters most”.

It emerged that three months to the end of the financial year 2008/2009, performance in the province had relatively improved compared to the previous years.

Nyamasheke District emerged best performer clocking 84% while Nyabihu came last with 75%.

According to Makuza, such significant improvement in performance could be utilized to achieve even more. 

The Prime Minister was particularly impressed with Rwankuba sector in Karongi district where all residents are covered under the communal health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Santé.

Christophe Bazivamo, the Minister in charge of Forests and Mines, encouraged the leaders to improve agricultural production by getting closer to farmers and adopt better methods of farming.

Ends