Service delivery tops RPF Political Bureau meet

President Paul Kagame, yesterday, called on leaders to direct more efforts towards improving service delivery by developing a sense of “ownership” of the numerous processes the country is undertaking to achieve its development targets. The Head of State made the call at the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) Political Bureau meeting held at Petit Stade following the findings of a study which indicates that only limited progress has been registered in the area of service delivery. Despite considerable progress in various areas, including the rule of law, political and civil rights, investing in people, business promotion and Private sector advocacy, the study carried out by the Rwanda Governance Advisory Council (RGAC), showed that a lot still needs to be done in the area of service delivery. President Kagame who is also the Chairman of the RPF challenged the leaders and decision makers to champion good service delivery if the country is to meet its development targets and ensure the well being of all Rwandans. He cautioned leaders against serving their selfish interests at the expense of the interests of the people and the country, noting that leaders who don’t fulfil their obligations should be held accountable. President Kagame said that it is up to the people who choose leaders to consider such qualities as transparency,and humility. He further said that it is up to the people to get rid of leaders if they feel they did not live up to their expectations, adding that it should not only stop at removing thenon-performing leaders, but that penalizing them as well would serve them right. The Head of State said that within their capacity as leaders, they have what it takes to resolve all the problems related to service delivery, without any excuses. He called on the leaders to assess their approach to work, their attitude to service delivery and the people they serve, to create a sense of ownership by working with the people they lead, and to resolve challenges instead of sitting in offices all day and acting out as “leaders”. President Kagame said that Rwandans are aware of the challenges they face and have the will to confront them, but what they sometimes lack is the leadership and guidance, a role which leaders at all levels are obliged to play. The President said that to live with the core principles that guide the RPF, the government cannot afford to sit back and watch if leaders are not accountable or do not measure up to expectations of the people. He warned against “meetings” that do not yield tangible results, and called upon leaders to adopt an action-oriented approach to issues, rather than spending time in unnecessary meetings and consultations. Commissioner James Musoni presented a report on the status of good governance which provoked an interactive debate. A joint presentation by Habumuremyi and Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) highlighted environmental degradation around the city and beyond. President Kagame called on authorities to immediately address the concerns, particularly clearing all activities in wetlands, including garages, farms and factories which pollute the environment. The Head of State, however, noted that a lot has been achieved by the RPF despite some challenges and emphasised that the party has fulfilled most of its promises to the people. President Kagame said that the transformation the RPF promised has taken root but cautioned that the most important thing is to ensure that this transformation doesn’t backslide or slacken. He affirmed the party’s commitment to continue with the transformation journey, improving the lives of all Rwandans, by working hard to transform the country into a middle income economy. Ends