THE Minister for Finance, Dr William Mgimwa, has reiterated government's commitment to support national development initiatives, especially in remote parts of the country.

The minister was speaking during the official launching and first graduation of the Institute of Rural Development Planning (RDP) in Mwanza.

He said the government allocates large sums of money for development projects in municipalities but many have failed due to poor management of the funds by individuals in the respective areas.

Dr Mgimwa stressed that the government is doing all in its powers to ensure that there are competent officers at the grassroots level to implement development projects. He said that most of the funds set aside by the government for development projects has not achieved the expected results due to many factors among them lack of planning experts to manage and evaluate development planning at levels of councils, wards and villages.

The institute's Lake Zone Centre's Director, Dr Frank Haule said that the first graduation at the institute is a sign of four fundamental principles implemented at different levels. He said that there were deliberate efforts by the government to expand the planning profession and management development.

RDP's Principal Constantine Lufulilo said that the institute faces challenges including lack of adequate library and a computer centre. The library is not conducive for learning purposes since it is small and cannot accommodate all students. 260 students graduated and were awarded with certificates from the institute.