Local and opinion leaders have been urged to help fast-track the country’s development by encouraging the public to work hard and embrace developmental programmes.The call was made by Local Government James Musoni while speaking to grassroots and opinion leaders, as well as representatives of private sector, civil society and faith-based organisations in Nyanza District yesterday.According to Minister Musoni, their contribution towards the nation’s development is crucial as they play a key role in educating society about the various developmental programmes and help shape their mentalities."You should continue encouraging the population to work hard for their own development and that of the country,” Musoni said, regretting that some plots of land throughout the district remain unexploited.He noted that if the plots of land were fully exploited using modern techniques it would boost local production, and thus contribute to the growth of local economy. He added that some individuals "do not want to work”, warning that such attitudes lead to poverty.Team work"You should make sure such attitudes are eradicated within our society. We need to see a positive change in the way people think,” Musoni said.The minister also encouraged local leaders to champion and foster unity, cooperation, and team work among all actors involved in the country’s socio-economic development.Musoni commended Nyanza District leadership for the ‘tremendous’ achievements realised over the last fiscal year, saying most of their targets had been met.Many of the targets in the district performance contract for the last financial year were achieved at over 90 per cent, according to the district mayor Abdallah Murenzi.