Rwanda has has received a $50m (Rwf32b) grant from the International Development Association of the World Bank (WB) to improve service delivery in local governments. The funds will be channelled through the Quality of Decentralised Service Delivery Department Policy Operation, the Minister of Finanace, Amb. Claver Gatete, said at the signing of the financing deal in Kigali.

Gatete added that the project supports the implementation of Vision 2020 through the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategies (EDPRS).

"This funding will greatly enhance the provision of basic services at grassroots level,” Gatete, said.

Under the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy II, the government has committed to strengthening accountable governance. 

The blueprint medium-term development strategy runs from 2013 to 2018. 

Gatete said accountable governance would be achieved through promotion of greater citizen participation in government policy and decision-making processes as well as enhancing the quality of services delivery at the grassroots.

"We would like to thank the Rwandan government for its support and collaboration throughout the preparation of this project,” said Diarietou Gaye, the World Bank country director.

Gatete and Gaye signed the funding deal on behalf of their respective institutions.