Governance Month to address people's concerns

Over 80 per cent of the concerns raised by citizens during the last Governance Month have been addressed by local leaders, the Minister for Local government, Francis Kaboneka, has revealed. Kaboneka was speaking during the launch of this year’s Good Governance Month (phase 1) in Gicumbi District on Wednesday. “We shall use this year’s Governance Month to address the remaining issues, and also evaluate the concerns that were sorted out to ensure they got permanent solutions,” Kaboneka said. Minister Francis Kaboneka (L) listens to Gicumbi District Mayor Alexandre Mvuyekure (R) as Governor Bosenibamwe look on at the launch of the Governance month on Wednesday. “The Good Governance Month gives more time to address your concerns and help address some of the issues that weren’t tackled by grassroots leaders,” Kaboneka said. Kaboneka called on Rwandans to be security conscious, noting that insecurity affects good governance. “We have achieved much in terms of good governance but we need to safeguard the available infrastructure by enhancing security through night patrols.” Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, the deputy director general of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), warned residents against getting involved in land wrangles which, she said, undermines national development. RGB Deputy CEO Fatuma Ndangiza speaks to residents in Gicumbi District at the launch of the Governance month on Wednesday. “Conflicts undermine good governance, especially land related conflicts. You should use land as a tool for production to achieve self reliance,” Ndangiza said. “Once you amicably resolve your differences, you will be contributing toward good governance,” she added. Citizens laud governance system Meanwhile several residents said they view Good Governance Month as a good approach to addressing their concerns. John Mburanakarema, a resident of Cyumba Sector said: “Our leaders explain to us different government initiatives and help us resolve disputes.” Thomas Ngirabakunzi, another resident, said the Good Governance month is key in the fight against corruption. “I always thought that the only way to access services was through bribery,” Ngirabakunzi said. Residents dance at the launch of the Governance month on Wednesday. (All photos by John Mbanda) During the occasion, residents raised issues they want to be addressed during the month. Alexandre Muhizi, cited water shortage among their major challenges. “Access to clean water is still a big challenge. It takes about one hour to get to the marshland where we get the water we use in our daily chores,” he said. Minister Kaboneka, and the Northern Province governor, Aimé Bosenibamwe, assured the residents that the concerns would be addressed. The Good Governance Month (phase 1) will run until April 2 featuring civil society week, accountability days, where leaders will be showcasing what they do, and open days for District Joint Action Development forums. The open days will be used to sensitise the public on the spirit of self reliance, fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

News

Governance Month to address people's concerns