Governor Jean Jacques Purusi’s accountability speech, during the meeting at the Kadutu stadium in Bukavu, highlighted an innovative management approach focused on proximity and transparency towards the population of South Kivu. Indeed, in the face of the development challenges facing the province, the choice of local governance presents itself as a promising lever for establishing effective management oriented towards the real needs of citizens.
During this meeting, Governor Purusi drew up a comprehensive assessment of his actions during the months of July and August 2024. Significant progress has been made in the security, infrastructure, mining and financial sectors. For example, the mobilization of more than US$1,503,000 in revenue in August, compared to only US$195,000 initially in June, demonstrates effective management of public resources.
In addition, the symbolic presentation of checks to decentralized territorial entities for development projects demonstrates the Governor’s concrete commitment to improving the living conditions of residents. However, beyond these announcements, it is essential to ensure the effective implementation of these projects and to maintain rigorous monitoring to ensure their long-term success.
The accountability approach adopted by Governor Purusi has generated mixed reactions among the population. While some welcome this initiative as a step towards more transparent and participatory governance, others stress the need to go beyond rhetoric and put in place effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Finally, it is essential that this accountability exercise is not perceived as populism, but that it is part of a genuine approach to accountability towards citizens. By mobilizing local actors and involving civil society in the development process, Governor Purusi could succeed in establishing exemplary governance and meeting the legitimate expectations of the population of South Kivu.
In short, the local governance advocated by Governor Jean Jacques Purusi offers promising prospects for the development of the province of South Kivu. By relying on transparency, accountability and citizen participation, it is possible to build a better future for all the inhabitants of the region.