Focus on rural development

National

THE Government’s focus is currently on rural development by strengthening the economic base of rural areas and social development, Department of Implementation and Rural Development acting secretary Aihi Vaki says.
“Lives must improve, people’s lives must change and K10 million for each district and province is huge,” he said.
“In total, it’s about K1.2 billion, which is a lot of money.
“The Government’s policy is good.
“There’s nothing wrong with it.
“It’s just that we, the people in the system with the political leadership, must provide good management for such funding,” he said.
“Service partners, particularly provincial administrators, district administrators, LLG (local level government) managers, district planners, provincial and district finance managers are the key stakeholders – key drivers of this programme.
“They look after the government system.
“They are custodians of public funds and must put money in the right place for the development of rural areas.”
Vaki said over the last 10 years, the money coming down was too much and if calculated, each district can take up to K50mil within a period of five years.
He said this money could be used to change the face of an electorate in no time.
“People can see roads, power, water supply and it entirely depends on a good political leadership and good administration leadership,” he said.
“If they work together and think alike, the people will see change in their districts, LLGs and villages.