Gasabo District has, once again, topped the three districts that make up Kigali City, in terms of successful implementation of policy that is embedded in performance contracts. In this first phase evaluation exercise that was presided over by Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, Gasabo was followed by Kicukiro, while Nyarugenge came third - and last. According to Kigali City Mayor Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, full exploitation of the Work for General Interest (TIG) programme and stability of the leadership of Gasabo worked must in the district’s favour. Whereas it might be tempting to think that stable leadership would have maybe done the trick for the other two as well, it is to be noted that since it is an important admission and can easily be rectified, there are other benchmarks that should be addressed.

Performance contracts merely aid the leadership in implementing the policy plans of an area, and so may just be followed by anyone who is put in the chair of district leader.

The quality of leadership is, for example, the most important single factor that will see development of an area; do the leaders have the vision and charisma necessary in carrying out their duties conscientiously?

The other district leaders need to emulate the firm and wise leadership of Claudine Nyinawagaga, the Gasabo District mayor, whose term of office has been characterized by a flair for taking wise counsel and religious implementation of council decisions.

Being the heart of the city, Nyarugenge has a whole lot of special problems that do not present themselves in other districts, but all the more reason to work harder as this city is our showpiece to the nation and the world in general and always has to shine, as its inhabitants have to be well provided for in terms of social services.

Gasabo has won the coveted first position thrice now; let the rest of the districts leadership emulate its example, and we shall have a city developing faster and its people’s welfare happily assured.

Ends