Civil society, private sector boost governance month

Members from the Civil Society Organisations, the private sector and the media, have promised to support the Governance Month to make it more successful. They made the pledge yesterday during a networking luncheon to gather more inputs on how best to execute the initiative. The meeting brought together government officials, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector. The Governance Month that kicked off on December 13 and ends on January 30, assesses and strengthens good governance through service delivery and demands of ordinary citizens that need further improvement. Speaking at the forum, Marie Immaculee Ingabire, the Chairperson of Transparency Rwanda, said it was a very important initiative that will quell concerns of the general public. “As members of the civil society, we are committed to supporting the Governance Month by raising awareness among the public so that they fully participate in the programme,” she asserted. She mentioned that government officials have been coming up with resolutions to address the challenges faced by the ordinary citizens without putting it into action. The new programme will help address the concerns. Organised by the Local Government Ministry in collaboration with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the Governance Month involves leaders at various levels meeting citizens, listening to their concerns as well as developing suggestions and actionable programmes. Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the Chief Executive Officer of RGB, said that expected outcomes from the period are increased efficiency and effectiveness in terms of service delivery and response to citizen concerns and needs. “We expect inputs from a wider range of stakeholders. Having you here reflects RGB’s desire to deepen and widen participation because the Governance Month’s successful implementation resides in our strong partnership and thinking strategically,” he told participants. According to Emile Murekezi, the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Igihe.com, the Governance period is very vital towards improving social and economic development in the country. “We shall do all it takes to carry out awareness campaigns among the population so that they understand what the period means to their social welfare,” he asserted. During the meeting, Cyril Turatsinze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, told participants to embrace the initiative and drive it forward. “We need support from you so that the Governance Month becomes successful,” he said. frank.kanyesigye@newtimes.co.rw

National

Civil society, private sector boost governance month