Eastern Province NGOs urged to harmonise operations

RWAMAGANA – Local and International Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the Eastern Province have been challenged to live up to public expectations by spurring development in the region. Addressing a meeting of local leaders and NGOs representatives, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya castigated some organisations for not working to improve the population’s welfare.She wondered why NGO plans and programmes could not be carried out in accordance with district priorities.“We need to forge a good working relationship that serves people’s interests”.“We have a case where we are going to have two hospitals in one sector…this is amazing owing to the fact that there are still some sectors without sufficient health services. This kind of imbalance is uncalled for,” she said.Louis Rwagaju, the Mayor of Bugesera District, said NGOs were not realistic in most cases, adding that most of their money was spent on non issues.“We must feel your presence, otherwise we remain sceptical of your services”.“Most of the money is spent on training and meetings…this is easy to account for, but useless to the community. It would be wise to build a hospital and provide tangible services to campaign against HIV/AIDS, other than moving around communities teaching dangers of the pandemic,” he said.A representative of one NGO, who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation, said the funds they use come with strings. He, however, said that some NGOs have had significant impact on local communities.“The objectives of the NGOs cannot always match what districts need…It is a case we cannot address. The money comes designed for particular things, with some strings attached. We inevitably have to use it that way, but in some cases it works for the people,” he said.

National

Eastern Province NGOs urged to harmonise operations