Premier Makuza begins assessments of districts

Rulindo emerge best MUSANZE - Premier Bernard Makuza, accompanied by five ministers presided over the first evaluation exercise of performance contracts-Imihigo of all the districts in the Northern Province for the first quarter of the year 2009. The Prime Minister urged local authorities to draw lessons from new development initiatives from other areas, show the progressive levels in terms of health and educations sectors and other components of the EDPRS. The EDPRS (Economic Development and Poverty reduction Strategy) is a medium term framework adopted by government to achieve long-term goals like the 2020 vision. “What has been achieved should be sustained, and all initiatives should build on the developments, no turning back,” Makuza said before he proceeded to inspect some of the agricultural projects in Kinigi Sector. The assessment of performance contracts based on the impact made in the development principles of good governance, economic development, welfare and justice began on Monday with the districts presenting their accomplishments. Rulindo emerged the best performing district, followed by Burera District, while Gicumbi came third, while Musanze and Gakenke became fourth and fifth respectively. The presentation by the District Mayors was also attended by some Members of Parliament, regional and district leaders, religious, women and youths leaders, representatives of NGOs, and security officials. Each district presented using power point, the changes in terms of figures, new innovations, savings rates, agro-related small scale industries and the efforts made in upgrading poor families. In Gakenke, area residents rehabilitated the Janja-Ruhengeri road and the transport costs reduced from Rwf 5000 to 1000, while in Rulindo, residents have saved up to Rwf611m. The Minister of Local Government, Protais Musoni called upon local leaders to closely monitor the progress in terms of development of the poor families and carry out regular evaluations to identify the problems and get a quick solution. Musoni also challenged districts not to shy away from showing their financial statements to the media. overnor Aime Bosenibamwe said that whereas remarkable progress has been registered, there is need for baseline capacity from the leaders to show with figures the changes in the rural community. Ends

National

Premier Makuza begins assessments of districts