NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — The district vice mayor in charge of economic development Ildephonnse Butera, has called upon district development partners to ensure timely submission of their annual budgets and action plans.

He was speaking at the Joint Action Forum (JAF) meeting held at Gicumbi district headquarters this Wednesday. The meeting that attracted district development partners and leaders was meant to review and approve resolutions of a previous similar meeting, and lay new development strategies for 2008.

Butera stressed the need for cooperation between the development partners and district leaders saying, it was the core to service delivery.

He complained of insufficient funds from internal revenue, central government and donors. "It is therefore important for all development partners to present their annual budgets and action plans before the end of February 2008. This will enable the district to carry out clear monitoring and implementation," said Butera.

In response, some members attributed late submission of their plans to delays in securing funds from donors. "Not all of us can beat the deadline of presenting action plans and budgets because our development activities are dependent on availability of funds from donors," said a representative from World Vision.

There are a number of NGOs operating in the district; engaged in several developmental projects such as availing clean water to residents, construction of health centers, implementation of modern agriculture and livestock farming among others.

They include: Save the children, World Vision, AEE Byumba, Intra Health, PPMER and SOS among others.

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