RALGA to reduce aid dependence

THE Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) has vowed to reduce its dependency on aid from donors through the use of various strategies that will help the institution generate funds for sustaining its activities. This was revealed yesterday by the president of RALGA, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, during her tour of a building under construction in Rusororo sector, Gasabo District where RALGA’S offices will relocate in October this year. “For the just-concluded strategic plan 2006-2010, developments partners have been supporting RALGA’s budget for over 90%, but it’s high time we set up our own strategies of generating income which will enable us to reduce depending on foreign aid,” said Kirabo, who is also the Kigali City Mayor. “We see RALGA in the near future having much more capacity to take care of its needs, both financially and in the administration view point,” Kirabo added. She said that one of the means to reduce dependency and ensure its sustainability include increasing current membership fees from Rwf2m to Rwf4m starting next year and the establishment of a consulting firm called Local Government Consult. She added that RALGA intends to develop a training centre specialised in Local Government issues, stressing that their vision is to make the centre regional. The centre, according to Kirabo, will also offer accommodation facilities with fifty rooms. She said that the new building under construction will enable them to reduce the expenses that they have been incurring in rent. RALGA has been renting offices for Rwf1.2m per month. The construction for the building worth Rwf475m was funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands and will also include a conference hall and Library. Ends

National

RALGA to reduce aid dependence