Decentralization leads to higher district budgets

The increase in financial allocations to districts is a result of better efficiency in local government administration, thanks to the decentralization process, the Minister of Local Government has said. James Musoni told The New Times yesterday that revenue for districts has gradually increased, climbing from Rwf 18 billion in 2005 to Rwf 252 billion in the proposed 2010/11 budget. “Overall, development capacity within the districts has been increasing since the establishment of decentralization system of governance. New development projects have been set up by the districts and this has resulted in a positive change in the budget,” said Musoni. He added that many districts had recorded impressive progress in revenue collection, thanks to the improved management of district resources. The Minister pointed out that they had embarked on giving capacity to district officials responsible for managing finances. “We have been taking measures on procurement by giving enough training to local councils,” Musoni said, adding that each district will recruit two auditors who will be reporting to the local district councils. He added that the Ministry was confident that the districts were in a position to manage the increased budgets. Ends

National

Decentralization leads to higher district budgets