Grassroots leaders must improve their coordination mechanisms if they are to effectively serve residents. The call was made by the Vice Mayor of Gasabo district in charge Social Affairs, Marie Louise Uwimana. It was in response to a complaint by a 19 year old orphan (name withheld), during a good governance meeting, that local leaders in Kimihurura Sector, had failed to get her a district scholarship. “I could not continue with school after losing my parents, and it has been a year since I approached local authorities, but our village leaders told me to wait for the 12-Year Basic Education,” she said. “But as you all know, just like any other girl who may stay home without any thing to do, we are faced with many challenges which may even stop us from continuing with education”. According the Vice Mayor, the district has always communicated to lower levels to submit names of students seeking sponsorships, but the number required has never been attained. “The Gender Ministry gives us money to sponsor these students, but local leaders have not done enough to forward names of such students,” she said. Speaking to Sunday Times, the Executive Secretary of Kimihurura Sector, Mapambano Nyiridandi, said he has just taken over office and would help to put in place a strategy to address such concerns. “I am new in office, but in addition to the present measures, I am also making sure that we come up with a strategy to further simplify means for residents to report their challenges and get a response immediately,” he said. grace.mugoya@newtimes.co.rw
