MUSANZE – There is a need for local leaders to allocate more time to working with residents instead of holding meetings if poverty is to be  stemmed, the Governor of Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe has said.

‘My recommendation is that local authorities reduce non productive meetings by moving closer to the population to address poverty,’ he said.

He was closing a three-day retreat of local leaders last week in Musanze district.

The meeting discussed a range of issues, including effective implementation of development projects.

Districts were asked to organise special meetings to asses how the budgets are executed and how different projects in the districts are being implemented.

The District Advisory Council, of Gicumbi was challenged to address the outstanding row between the district and private investors who were contracted to carry out different activities.

The local authorities appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to support the cell and Midugudu (settlements) executive secretaries to acquire training in leadership and conflicts management.

The first provincial retreat of its kind, involved the district mayors, financial managers and sector leaders.

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