The Minister for Local Government last week told district mayors to take the lead in ensuring that grassroots leaders genuinely understand the concept of servant leadership. Speaking during a two-day retreat for mayors from all the 30 districts, the minister cited cases of a few overzealous local leaders who fail to do their job and instead coerce the people into embracing development programmes.He cited cases where people were illegally arrested for not paying premiums for communal health public insurance, Mutuelle de Sante.Indeed such practices must stop because they only work to undermine the otherwise noble policies.The only way to get the public on board is by educating people and let them decide for themselves, especially since benefits from such policies as Mutuelle de Sante speak for themselves and were extended to almost all citizens.Sustained public awareness and education campaigns should also deliberately target grassroots leaders so they fully understand the essence of servant leadership and how best they can get those they lead to actively engage in development programmes and maximise their potential.Cases of citizens who visit local government offices and are turned away or subjected to making several unnecessary trips before they are attended to should not be allowed to continue.Quality service delivery is a pillar of good governance and it should characterise local leaders.
