A survey conducted by the Civil Society platform has showed that Rwandans are happy with the contribution Performance Contracts (Imihigo) have made towards the national development. Conducted in ten districts to assess citizens’ perception, vis-a-vis Imihigo and their role in spreading the socio-economic development, the research showed that 43 percent of the respondents said they, sometimes, participated in the exercise while 36 percent said that they frequently participated. 47 percent of the respondents observed that Imihigo had helped increase health insurance subscription. 20 percent said performance contracts had helped increase enrolment rates, as well as classroom construction for the Nine-Year Basic Education (9-YBE). The contracts have helped transform the lives of the people while promoting accountability and transparency among public servants. At the district level, Imihigo have created a spirit of competition where mayors are determined to improve their ratings year-on-year. While some mayors have set unrealistic targets or have failed to meet targets due to various reasons, overall, the benefits of the Imihigo far outweigh the shortcomings. It is important that, each year, should be an opportunity to not only work harder and perform better, but to also consolidate the gains of the previous year. The successes registered, so far, as a result of the performance contracts, should serve as a motivation that a lot can be achieved once people set their minds to meet targets. Ends
