EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — Having exhibited best performance last year; provincial leaders have vowed to retain their position even this year.

"Development started from the east, so the Eastern Province should be the point of reference in the development of Rwanda," said Theoneste Mutsindashyaka, the Governor, in apparent reference to the old bible saying.

He was addressing a meeting of Provincial leaders and other dignitaries from across the country; aimed at designing strategies on how best to implement the 2008 performance contracts, at Police playground last week.

He called on mayors, district and sector executive secretaries to work hard for holistic development and elimination of poverty and food shortages.

The Minister of Local Government, Protais Musoni, thanked the area leaders for last year’s performance and stressed the need for speedy development.

He called on leaders to empower all levels of administration and seek his ministry’s support whenever needed.

He asked the leaders to quickly decentralize the recently started cultural educational program (Itorero) to all levels to act as conduits of development.

Also speaking at the meeting was the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Vincent Karega. He urged leaders to enlighten residents to work with financial and banking institutions to secure funds for setting up income generating projects.

He emphasised the need for innovativeness, and carrying out extensive production for export.

Maj. Gen Fred Ibingira, the RDF area commander called on all leaders to cooperate with security agents in ensuring security as a cornerstone for development.

During the meeting, district mayors reaffirmed their commitment to exhibit best performance in 2008. Of the eastern districts, Nyagatare beat the other six districts of Bugesera, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe and Gatsibo, in the 2007 performance.

Ends