Local government in Rwanda has come under increased scrutiny with more and more district mayors forced to resign, and others willingly stepping down for failure to deliver, cases of misuse of public funds, or even failure to adhere to the leadership code of conduct.

Over the years, notably from 2010 and 2014, district mayors, their deputies and executive secretaries have been resigning and 2018 seems to have recorded the highest number, with almost a reported resignation every two weeks, especially in the months of March, April and May.

Although this has been highlighted as a healthy democratic feature and a sign of accountability, one can’t help but think about the efficiency in governance at the grassroots that could be in peril.

When some leaders quit, they cited personal reasons and underperformance was the factor. Well, we can’t do much about those who have been relieved of their duties, but there is need for a stable local government if national programs and development initiatives are to make a lasting impact on local residents, thus ensuring a sustainable growth and development that we all work towards. So, what would it take to make local government effective?

Adopt a comprehensive inter-governmental relations and management law/act.

This will provide for key guiding principles to effectively enable local government to strike a right balance between national and local priorities setting.

There have been tendencies where local leaders complain that they are pushed and pulled by different government ministries and that lack of appropriate coordination is widely considered to be a costly problem impeding effective and efficient service delivery for the local government.

The local leaders who are often evaluated against their performance contracts are also oscillated by the constant pressures from some ministries, which could affect their service delivery in the long run. Inter-governmental relations go hand in hand with local autonomy.

If the grassroots offices can be pushed and pulled by some ministries, it’s clear that they are instances where they might not be able to make their own decisions on almost everything, rather wait on the direction from the central government.

Need for strong tax base

I admit that autonomy especially also on fiscal terms would need good financial management and proper planning, which can only be effective if local governments can have an adequate and predictable flow of income.

There is need for a strong local tax base that can help finance the budget of the districts.

In the revised 2012 decentralization policy, districts were to be designated as local economic power centres, and local governments were to be encouraged and supported to create an attractive environment for private sector in their districts or localities to invest, grow capital and develop the local economies to the benefit of their citizens, the local economy and contribute to national development.

Building on the good relations with the private sector, many markets can be built, business can boom and people can get jobs thus increasing the tax base for the district.

Advance the open government system even at the local structures.  In this governing doctrine, citizens have the right to access to information, hence the documents and proceedings of the government, which allows for effective public oversight and participation.

There is need for secrecy especially for security reasons but it’s absurd when some government agencies legitimize extensive secrecy, even for procurement bids and tenders.

It would be good if citizens knew when a tender would be released and the budget that is set for the goods or service, rather than getting back-door calls from some civil servants who want a “kick back”.

Accountability

This does not only because dire losses to government, due to poor service delivery or unnecessary delays, but also gives way to bribery and corruption and compromises the culture of accountability.

Building a strong collaboration with civil society organizations is a must if local government service delivery is to become more effective and people's lives improve.

The civil society organizations can be strong partners in Government’s development agenda and they are often more efficient in their community activities.

A vibrant and sustainable civil society contributes and complements the state in addressing needs and allows citizens to become active participants in the society.

Since CSOs evolve from interests of their constituencies, continuously mapping out citizens’ needs and strive to find the best solution for the emerging problems without long and bureaucratic procedure, they can be a good partner with the local government in advancing their agenda and ensuring effective service delivery.

I can’t refute that Rwanda has achieved a lot in terms of decentralization and putting up local government structures to benefit the people, but there’s need for more efforts to ensure that the citizens get what they deserve.

And since Rwanda believes that local Governments have to take the lead in mobilizing Rwandans to be aware of and empower citizens to take advantage of opportunities from regional and international cooperation, then a stable and effective local government is paramount.

Dr. Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza is the Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda.