World Bank Boosts Rwanda’s Service Delivery

Rwandans could be headed to receiving better services following the World Bank’s approval of a grant worth $50 million (approximately Rwf30 billion) to support Rwanda’s efforts to improve decentralized service delivery.

The grant will be utilized through the Quality of Decentralized Service Delivery Development Policy Operation.

The Government of Rwanda has committed to an overarching priority theme on strengthening accountable governance.

To be able to accomplish these goals, government has committed to promoting greater citizen participation in government policy and decision-making and enhancing the quality of decentralized public service delivery.

This is also in line with the newly approved medium-term development strategy covering 2013-18, the second Rwanda Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2).

In full alignment with EDPRS 2, this operation supports the Government to clarify institutional roles and responsibilities for decentralized service delivery and to enhance public accountability and transparency.

It will also enhance fiduciary accountability and local government capacity for improved citizen access to quality services while targeting the key medium term challenges to improving the quality of service delivery to Rwandan citizens.

According to Carolyn Turk, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, though Rwanda has achieved impressive poverty reduction in the past decade, progress in improving capacities and institutions at sub-national levels will be foundational to achieving the goals established in the new EDPRS 2.

“We are very glad to continue supporting Rwanda’s efforts to improve the quality of service delivery at the local government level so that Rwandan citizens can participate fully in decisions and processes that influence service delivery,” said Turk.

Yoichiro Ishihara, World Bank Task Leader for this operation says that in addition to supporting the Government’s policies to enhance decentralized service delivery, the operation helps mitigate the short term economic and social impacts of the aid shortfall.

“It prevents a spillover effect to poverty reduction and MDGs in the medium and long-term, while sustaining policy dialogue on accountable governance and service delivery.”