Tax collectors from the City of Kigali, last week, complained about lack of support from grassroots leaders. It is not that the tax officers want local leaders to be the ones to do their job, rather for the two organs to create the much needed synergy since they all work to help build the same nation.

One of the main purposes of having local leadership structures is to create an orderly and conducive environment through which the government can not only deliver to the people, but also for the citizenry to easily fulfill their obligations to the state. Critical among those duties is the responsibility to pay taxes, thereby contributing to the country’s development.

Therefore, grassroots structures should provide the momentum for the smooth implementation of any other state-run functions; whether it’s about levying and collecting taxes, providing antenatal care to expectant mothers, immunizing kids, promoting savings and credit schemes, among other programmes designed to improve people’s welfare.

Where local leadership structures are playing their rightful role, chances are that other government initiatives will become successful as well. Grassroots leaders need to leverage their influence to mobilize local communities to embrace and participate in any programmes seen to improve their condition.

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