Local leaders told to address residents’ queries on time

Musanze – Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the head of the newly formed Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), has called on local authorities to take advantage of the ongoing good governance month to address citizens’ queries, through a participatory approach. Shyaka was speaking at the end of the board’s two-day retreat, which aimed at setting priorities for the proper functioning of the organ. He said Rwanda had achieved a lot in terms of good governance through a participatory approach, urging for citizen ownership of governance processes. “The governance month is a moment of celebration; we need to celebrate through sports and cultural competitions. We should also focus on addressing the problems of the citizens, without waiting for the President to address them during his country tours,” Shyaka said. The governance month, which started in December 2011 and is set to end on 30 January 2012, will involve data collection, governance clinics – a public platform to address local problems – sports and cultural competition. It will conclude with a high-level assessment meeting, involving various stakeholders in good governance matters. “The core principle of good governance is engaging people to address their problems,” Shyaka said. RGB will promote and monitor principles of good governance in the country, conduct research and make proposals on better service delivery and advise government on good governance matters, as well as promote capacity building in local government. bonny.mukombozi@newtimes.co.rw

National

Local leaders told to address residents’ queries on time